Tradition & Triumph

AVANI LEKHARA

AVANI LEKHARA

Source: Instagram

Early Life and Accident: Avani was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan. Her life took a dramatic turn when she was involved in a car accident at age 11, resulting in a spinal cord injury and paralysis.

Inspiration from Abhinav Bindra: After her accident, Avani initially struggled with her new reality. She found inspiration in Abhinav Bindra’s autobiography, which motivated her to pursue shooting as a sport.

Law Student: Besides being an accomplished shooter, Avani is also pursuing a degree in law, showing her dedication to academics alongside sports.

First Woman to Win Paralympic Gold for India: Avani made history at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics by becoming the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics, in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event.

Self-Taught Meditation Practitioner: To maintain focus and manage stress, Avani practices meditation regularly, a habit she developed on her own to enhance her mental strength.

Role Model for Women in Sports: Avani actively promotes women's participation in sports, particularly para-sports, and works to inspire young girls to break barriers.

Future Goals: Apart from aiming for more medals in future Paralympic games, Avani also aspires to become a motivational speaker to share her journey and inspire others to overcome adversity.