Avani Lekhara Wins Silver Medal At Asian Para Games 2026 in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
Indian para shooting sensation Avani Lekhara has clinched a silver medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 19. Lekhara qualified second with 626.4 points.
India’s celebrated para shooter and double Paralympic gold medallist, Avani Lekhara, has added another feather to her cap, clinching a silver medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026 on Monday, October 19. Lekhara's impressive performance culminated in a podium finish, following a strong showing in the qualification round where she secured second place. She posted a solid score of 626.4 points in the qualification, ensuring her berth in the medal-deciding round. Her compatriot, Mona Agarwal, topped the qualification standings with a remarkable 629.1 points, setting a new Asian Para Games qualification record and narrowly missing the world record by just 0.3 points. This strong one-two finish in qualification highlighted India's formidable presence in the shooting para sport at the Games. India's Sheetal Devi Equals Archery World Record at Asian Para Games 2026.
The Road to the Final
The qualification round saw Lekhara steadily climb the leaderboard, demonstrating her characteristic composure and precision. Initially placed fourth after four series with 322.8 points, she significantly improved her position to secure second place by the end of all six series. Both Lekhara, a gold medallist from Paris 2024, and Agarwal, a bronze medallist from Paris 2024, entered the final as strong contenders, with Lekhara ultimately converting her qualification form into a silver medal.
Silver Medal Secured
In a gripping final held at the Aichi Prefectural General Shooting Gallery, Avani Lekhara maintained her focus and skill under pressure, ultimately securing the silver medal. Her steady hand and unwavering concentration throughout the competition proved crucial in her journey to the podium. Neeraj Chopra Injury Update: Javelin Star Eyes 2027 Comeback, Targets LA Olympics 2028.
Indian Contingent's Strong Start
The Asian Para Games 2026, hosted by Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya, Japan, commenced on October 18 and will run until October 24. India has sent a robust contingent of 168 athletes across 11 sports, aiming to surpass their record-breaking medal haul from the previous edition. Beyond shooting, India has seen other promising performances, with 19-year-old para-archer Sheetal Devi equalling a world record in the women's compound qualification round with 704 points and Kokila assuring at least a silver medal in Judo in the women's J2 -52kg category after defeating China's reigning world champion Yi Liu in the semifinal.
Avani Lekhara's silver medal is a significant achievement for India at the 5th Asian Para Games 2026, setting an inspiring tone for the contingent. The nation celebrates her continued excellence and the promising start made by other Indian athletes across various disciplines.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 19, 2026 11:14 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
