Mona Agarwal Beats Avani Lekhara For Asian Para Games Gold
Mona Agarwal produced a stunning comeback to defeat compatriot Avani Lekhara and win gold in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 event at the Asian Para Games on Monday. India opened its medal account with a one-two finish as Mona set a new Asian Para Games final record of 250.0 points, narrowly beating defending champion Avani, who scored 249.6.
South Korea’s Yunri Lee claimed bronze with 227.9 points. The result also secured India a second quota place for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, with Mona having already earned one at last month’s World Shooting Para Sport Championships in Changwon.
Mona Overcomes Early Deficit In Thrilling Final
The contest between the two Jaipur-based shooters went down to the final shot of the 24-shot final. Mona trailed Avani by 0.1 points, with the scores at 239.1 and 239.2 respectively, before producing a decisive 10.8. Avani managed 10.5, handing Mona the gold.
The 38-year-old, a bronze medallist at the 2024 Paris Paralympics, had topped qualification with 629.1 points to set an Asian Para Games qualification record. Avani qualified second with 626.4.
However, the final began in Avani’s favour. The two-time Paralympic champion opened with a 10.8 against Mona’s 10.1 and maintained the lead through the opening stages, while Mona slipped to sixth place.
The momentum changed during the elimination rounds as Avani’s scores dipped and Mona steadily climbed the standings.
‘I Kept Faith In The Process’
Mona said staying calm and trusting her preparation helped her recover from the difficult start.
“I knew only one thing, I had to keep repeating the process and give it my best shot. I believed I could get back to the top if I did that. So, when I was trailing and staring at elimination, I did not think too much,” she said.
“I kept faith in the process, stayed relaxed and continued to trust myself.”
Mona added that learning to fight back from losing positions had been a focus of her training.
“I don’t quit when the chips are down. Instead, I try to regain control of the situation and make up lost ground. That is something I work on in training,” she said.
Lessons From Hangzhou Fuel Gold Medal Run
Mona recalled finishing sixth at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games after reaching the final, saying the experience had helped her prepare for future competitions.
“It was only my third international competition. When you lose or fail to finish on the podium, it is heartbreaking. But I learn from my seniors, draw on those experiences and use them to prepare myself to perform better in upcoming events,” she said.
The gold medal marks another major achievement for Mona, who will next compete in the 50m rifle 3-positions event as she targets a second title at the Games. Avani, meanwhile, added a silver medal to her decorated career.
