Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara, the Indian Paralympian and rifle shooter, was born on 8 November 2001. Hailing from Rajasthan, India, Avani’s early years were marked by a significant event that would shape her life forever. At the tender age of 11, she was involved in a car accident that resulted in complete paraplegia. However, this setback did not deter Avani, thanks to the unwavering support of her father. He encouraged her to embrace sports, starting with archery, which eventually led her to discover her true passion for shooting.
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Personal Life of Avani Lekhara
Beyond her incredible achievements in sports, Avani Lekhara possesses a rich personal life. Alongside her dedication to shooting, she is a vibrant individual with diverse interests and hobbies. Avani is a voracious learner and currently pursuing her studies in law in Rajasthan, India. Her indomitable spirit and resilience have inspired countless individuals across the globe, proving that one can overcome adversity and thrive.
Professional Life of Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara’s professional journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Inspired by former Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra, she embarked on her shooting career in 2015. Her dedication and talent quickly propelled her to the forefront of the sport. In a historic moment, Avani became the first Indian woman to win a Paralympic gold medal, earning this remarkable feat at the 2020 Summer Paralympics. Setting a Paralympic record and tying the world record with a score of 249.6 points, she etched her name in sporting history.
Throughout her career, Avani Lekhara has clinched several national and international titles, showcasing her consistent excellence in the sport of shooting. She has competed in the 2018 Asian Para Games and has been supported by the GoSports Foundation through the Para Champions Programme, a testament to her talent and potential.
Awards and Recognitions
Avani Lekhara’s achievements have garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. Her exceptional contributions to the world of sports have earned her numerous prestigious awards and honors. In 2021, she was bestowed with the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. She was also recognized as the Young Indian of the Year by GQ India and received the Vogue Women of the Year award from Vogue Magazine. The International Paralympic Committee honored her with the Best Female Debut award at the Paralympic Awards. Avani’s remarkable journey was further acknowledged with the Padma Shri, a distinguished civilian award in India. She has been lauded as the BBC India Change Maker of the Year and received the She-Age Award by Hindustan Times, among other accolades.
Age
Avani Lekhara, born on 8 November 2001, is currently in her early twenties. At such a young age, she has achieved remarkable success and serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
FAQ
How many medals has Avani Lekhara won?
Avani Lekhara has achieved remarkable success in para-shooting, securing multiple medals on the international stage. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, she made history by winning a gold medal in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event and a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1 event, becoming the first Indian woman to win multiple medals at a single Paralympic Games. She continued her stellar performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, successfully defending her 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 title and setting a new Paralympic record with a score of 249.7 points. This victory made her the first Indian woman to win two consecutive Paralympic gold medals.
What awards has Avani Lekhara received?
In recognition of her outstanding achievements, Avani Lekhara has been honored with several prestigious awards. In 2021, she received the Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honor. The following year, in 2022, she was bestowed with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award. Her consistent excellence in para-shooting has also earned her titles such as the Para Athlete of the Year (Female) in 2024. These awards highlight her significant contributions to Indian sports and her role as a trailblazer in Paralympic shooting.
What is Avani Lekhara’s disability?
Avani Lekhara sustained a spinal cord injury resulting in paraplegia due to a car accident in 2012 when she was 11 years old. Despite this life-altering event, she found her passion in shooting, inspired by Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bindra. Her determination and resilience have propelled her to the pinnacle of para-shooting, making her a beacon of inspiration for many aspiring athletes with disabilities. She has continuously defied limitations, proving that hard work and perseverance can lead to extraordinary success.
How old is Avani Lekhara?
Born on November 8, 2001, Avani Lekhara is currently 23 years old as of 2025. Hailing from Jaipur, Rajasthan, she has achieved significant milestones in her young career, including multiple Paralympic medals and national awards. Her accomplishments at such a young age make her one of India’s most inspiring and successful para-athletes. She continues to compete at the highest level, further solidifying her legacy in the world of shooting sports.
Did Avani Lekhara compete in the 2024 Paris Paralympics?
Yes, Avani Lekhara competed in the 2024 Paris Paralympics. She successfully defended her 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 title, winning the gold medal with a new Paralympic record score of 249.7 points. This achievement cemented her status as the first Indian woman to win two consecutive Paralympic gold medals. Her performance in the 2024 Games further reinforced her dominance in para-shooting and demonstrated her unwavering commitment to excellence. She remains a key figure in Indian para-sports and continues to inspire the next generation of athletes.
