India’s para-shooter Avani Lekhara has once again reaffirmed her standing on the world stage by winning three medals at the 2025 World Para Shooting World Cup, held in Al Ain, UAE. Notably, she clinched gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, narrowly edging out Sweden’s Anna Besnon with a final shot score of 10.5 to finish with 249.6 points.
This victory, coupled with silver medals in the R8-50m Rifle 3P and the R10 Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle SH1 events, underscores Avani’s remarkable skill and mental fortitude. Her success also strengthens India’s presence in para-sport internationally, inspiring countless aspiring athletes with disabilities.
The Thrilling Gold Medal Finale
Avani’s gold medal triumph was the highlight of the competition, marked by a nail-biting finish. In the final round of the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, she was in second place until the last shot. Required to score at least 10.3 to clinch gold, Avani delivered a 10.5, surpassing her closest rival by a mere 0.3 points.
This performance was a testament to her steady nerves and technical precision under pressure. Her victory was celebrated widely on social media and in sports circles, with the Paralympic Committee of India and her coaches praising her composure and dedication.
Alongside Avani, teammates Akash and Sandeep Kumar also contributed to India’s medal haul, securing gold and silver respectively in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 individual events and a team silver, amplifying India’s overall success at the event.
Avani’s Inspirational Journey
Avani Lekhara’s rise is a powerful narrative of resilience and determination. After a spinal cord injury ended her ability to walk at a young age, she turned to shooting, inspired by Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra. Since taking up the sport in 2015, Avani has consistently pushed boundaries, becoming the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal in shooting at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
Her dedication has not just brought her medals but also several accolades, including the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna and Padma Shri.
Avani’s adaptive shooting techniques, honed with specialised coaching and customised equipment, have set new benchmarks in para-shooting. Her journey highlights the vital role of support systems, technology, and the athlete’s own perseverance in achieving excellence despite physical challenges.
Avani’s commitment to continuous improvement includes rigorous mental conditioning and adapting to emerging digital training aids, which enhance focus and precision. Her academic pursuit in law further exemplifies her balanced approach to life beyond sports, inspiring young athletes to excel holistically.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Avani Lekhara’s achievements transcend sport; they symbolise the triumph of human spirit, inclusivity, and possibility. Her success highlights the immense potential of para-athletes when provided equal opportunities, adequate infrastructure, and societal encouragement.
It is a call to action for policymakers, sports bodies, and communities to further invest in inclusive programmes that enable athletes with disabilities to thrive. At The Logical Indian, the belief is that celebrating such victories strengthens the threads of empathy, kindness, and coexistence in society.
A very memorable World Para Shooting World Cup in Al Ain. 3 medals in 3 events – 🥇 in the R2 -10m Air Rifle SH1 event, 1 🥈 in the R8 – 50m Rifle 3P event and 🥈 in the R10 Mixed Team 10m Air Rifle SH1 event. Couldn’t have asked for a better World Cup. 🫶🏽🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/VxI6LIjbbb
— Avani Lekhara अवनी_लेखरा PLY (@AvaniLekhara) November 2, 2025
