Avani Likhara created history on Monday at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo. She became the first Indian shooter to win a Paralympic medal, she also became the first woman to win an individual gold medal in the country's history at the Paralympic.
19-year-old Avani Likhara made an impressive debut at Paralympic Games She created world record and setting a new Paralympic record with 249.6 in R2 women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final.
The teenager, who suffered spinal cord injuries in a car accident in 2012, began shooting in 2015. Initially, her father introduced her to archery and shooting, but Avani Likhara wanted to make her mark on archery after reading Abinav Bindra's autobiography.
And it was a special moment for Avani Likhara on Monday, as her idol, shooter great Abinav Bindra was among the first to congratulate her on winning the historic gold medal.
"Gold it is! Brilliant display by @AvaniLekhara to win India its first Paralympic gold medal in shooting. Immensely proud ! Many Congratulations on your shot at history," Bindra wrote in a social media post.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the Lekhara gold as a "really special moment for Indian sport."
"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 endeavors," PM Modi said.
Several sports stars joined the bandwagon to celebrate the Golden Girl of India from the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
Gold it is! Brilliant display by @AvaniLekhara to win India its first Paralympic gold medal in shooting. Immensely proud ! Many Congratulations on your shot at history ! #Praise4Para #Tokyo2020
— Abhinav A. Bindra OLY (@Abhinav_Bindra) August 30, 2021
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 endeavours.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 30, 2021
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
She has created history.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) August 30, 2021
The first ever woman from India to win a #Paralympics #Gold
Wow #AvaniLekhara on the outstanding feat.
Also equals the current WR to win the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final! #Tokyo2020 #ShootingParaSport pic.twitter.com/saehkl2tJt
Also Read- India vs England: Wounds of 2014 hurt Virat Kohli again