India hopes to build on its fantastic performance from Friday in the 2017 Para Games by putting on another impressive show on Saturday. Indian archer Sheetal Devi will be competing alongside other celebrities. In the women’s individual compound open ranking round on Thursday, the hand-free archer made an impressive showing and advanced straight to the Round of 16, boosting prospects for another podium finish for the nation.
Avani Lekhara, the Paralympic world champion, began the day with a spectacular performance. She continued her reign in shooting by capturing her second straight gold medal in the women’s 10-meter air rifle standing SH1 event at the Paralympic Games. She accomplished this feat and became the first female para athlete from India. Avani beat her own Paralympic record of 249.6 points set in Tokyo with a final score of 249.7 points.
With a total score of 228.7 points, para shooter Mona Agarwal secured a bronze medal for India, making the event a double triumph. With her maiden Paralympic competition, Mona proved she might be a valuable asset to India’s goal of winning 25 medals in Paris.
Manish Narwal, another outstanding performer of the day, took home a silver medal in the men’s 10-meter air pistol SH1 competition. Manish, Avani Lekhara, and Devendra Jhajharia are now among the elite athletes who have won two medals for India at the Paralympics. Manish won gold in the mixed pistol SH1 event at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics.
Preethi Pal, a para-sprinter, made history for India in track and field when she won a bronze in the women’s 100-meter T35 event.Making her Paralympic debut, Preethi mirrored her success from the 2024 World Para Athletics Championships, where she secured a bronze medal and solidified her spot in the upcoming Paralympics in Paris.