Avni Lakhera on Monday created history at the Tokyo Paralympics when she won the country’s first-ever Gold by equalling the world record in the women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing (SH1) event. She achieved the feat with a score of 249.6.
This was India’s fourth medal at the Paralympic Games after Bhavina Patel won Silver in table tennis and Nishad Kumar and Vinod Kumar won Silver and Bronze in the Men’s High Jump and Discus Throw events respectively.
It’s a Golden Day!! #GoldenGirl @AvaniLekhara wins India’s First medal in @ShootingPara & it’s a #GOLD!!! ???? Avani has equalled the World Record to achieve this feat!✨ This is unparalleled, first Indian Woman in @Olympics or @Paralympics ever to win GOLD.#Praise4Para #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/hxJoP1edCi
— Paralympic India ???????? #Cheer4India ???? #Praise4Para (@ParalympicIndia) August 30, 2021
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reportedly spoke to Avni to congratulate her on the historic feat. “Phenomenal performance @AvaniLekhara! Congratulations on winning a hard-earned and well-deserved Gold, made possible due to your industrious nature and passion towards shooting. This is truly a special moment for Indian sports. Best wishes for your future endeavour,” Modi wrote on Twitter.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi tweeted, “Morning starts with the great news of Avni Lakhera winning #Gold. Big Congratulations! Another daughter makes India proud. #TokyoParalympics.”
Golden Moment for India!
Hearing your flag go up with National Anthem in the background is what every Indian dreams of ????
There's no greater joy for Indians. Thank you @AvaniLekhara for making it happen so soon!#Cheer4India #Praise4Para #Paralympics #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/BAM49sex7h
— SAI Media (@Media_SAI) August 30, 2021
Here’s how netizens reacted to Avni’s extraordinary achievement at the Paralympic Games.
Golden Monday: Jaipur girl Avni Lakhera wins 10 metre shooting gold at #Paralympics well done to her and Team India! Many more medals expected today..????????????????
— Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) August 30, 2021
Congrats #AvniLakhera for winning gold in #Paralympics . Salute to your hard work. Avni is an Assistant Conservator of Forest with Rajasthan #Forest department. pic.twitter.com/hJpc9LlYUl
— Parveen Kaswan (@ParveenKaswan) August 30, 2021
Congratulations Golden Girl #AvaniLekhara ji.
पूरे देश को आप पर गर्व है।#paralympics #Gold pic.twitter.com/se8bOzCAiR— Bajrang Punia ???????? (@BajrangPunia) August 30, 2021
Jaipur girl Avni Lakhera wins 10 metre shooting gold at #Paralympics well done to her and Team India!
❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/owULsmB9BT
— Amit नाम ही काफी है l (@amit_sainik) August 30, 2021