Asian Para Games 2026: Mona, Avani shine in 10m air rifle as India claim first gold

New Delhi: Mona Agarwal made a sensational comeback in the final to defeat compatriot Avani Lekhara for the gold as the Indian contingent secured its first medal at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a top two finish in the women’s 10m air rifle (SH1) event in Nagoya on Monday, October 19.

Mona, who won a bronze medal at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, climbed from sixth position to set an Asian Games record of 250.0, edging Avani by just 0.4 points. The two-time Paralympic champion Avani entered the Games as the defending champion, but settled for a silver medal with a score of 249.6.

Avani’s medal secures India’s second quota place for 2028 LA Paralympics

Avani’s silver medal has secured India a second quota spot for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Mona already booked one place at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Championships in Changwon, South Korea, last month after clinching silver.

Korea’s Yunri Lee (227.9) won the bronze in the same tournament. SH1 classification is for shooters with lower limb impairments. The battle between the two Jaipur shooters went down to the final shot of the 24-shot contest. Mona held a slender 0.1-point lead over Avani, with the scores at 239.2 and 239.1, respectively, heading into the decisive shot.

Mona shot a brilliant 10.8, while Avani managed 10.5, clinching the gold medal. Mona topped the eight-shooter qualification field with a score of 629.1, setting an Asian Para Games qualification record, while Avani finished second with 626.4.

Avani was aiming to defend her Hangzhou gold medal, and took an early lead with an opening of 10.8 to Mona’s 10.1. She was in the lead following the first five shots with a total score of 53.2 and maintained her advantage after the next five, moving to 104.8. Mona was placed in the sixth position with a score of 102.9, but the momentum changed during the elimination stage.

While Avani struggled with a series of modest scores, Mona steadily climbed the standings, setting up a stage for a thrilling finish. The gold medal capped a remarkable comeback for Mona after a slow start, while Avani’s silver added another major accolade to her career following the car accident that left her wheelchair-bound.

(With inputs from PTI)