Avani Lekhara is a celebrated Indian para-shooter renowned for her exceptional achievements in the field of para sports. Born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, Avani's life took a dramatic turn at the age of 11 when a car accident left her paraplegic. Despite this challenge, she embraced sports as a form of rehabilitation, focusing on shooting. Avani has since become a trailblazer in para shooting, winning gold medals in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. Her journey from adversity to success highlights her resilience, determination, and commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports.
| Full Name | Avani Lekhara |
| Date of Birth | November 8, 2001 |
| Place of Birth | Jaipur, Rajasthan, India |
| Sport | Shooting |
| Disability Class | Paralysis in both legs (Paraplegia) |
| Major Achievements | - Gold in 10m air rifle shooting standing SH1 (Paris 2024 Paralympics) - Gold in 10m air rifle standing (Tokyo 2020 Paralympics) - Bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions (Tokyo 2020 Paralympics) |
| Awards | - Padma Shri (2022) - Padma Shri (2021) - Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award (2021) |
| Inspiration | Her father encouraged her to pursue sports after her accident |
Avani Lekhara was born on November 8, 2001, in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. At the age of 11, she was involved in a car accident in 2012 that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Despite this challenge, her father encouraged her to try sports for physical and mental healing.
Avani started with archery but switched to shooting in 2015 after being inspired by Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra. She quickly excelled in shooting and won many national and international titles.
While training hard, Avani also focused on her education. She finished her schooling at Kendriya Vidyalaya No. 3 in Jaipur, where she won her first gold medal in a regional shooting event. She is now studying law at the University of Rajasthan.
Avani's story is one of incredible determination and the strong support of her family, which has helped her become a successful athlete.
The awards and recognitions received by Avani Lekhara:
| 2021 | Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award |
| 2021 | Best Female Debut - Paralympic Awards |
| 2021 | Young Indian of the Year - GQ India |
| 2021 | Vogue Women of the Year - Vogue Magazine |
| 2022 | Padma Shri |
| 2022 | FICCI FLO Award for Excellence in Sports |
| 2022 | She - Age Award by Hindustan Times |
| 2022 | Para Athlete of the Year (Female) - Sportstar |
| 2024 | Gold Medal in 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 - Paris Paralympics |
| 2024 | First Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals |
Here is the Career Highlights of Avani Lekhara:
| Year | Event | Achievement |
| 2015 | National Shooting Championship | Won her first gold medal |
| 2017 | Al Ain Shooting World Cup | Silver medal |
| 2017 | WSPS World Cup, Bangkok | Bronze medal |
| 2018 | World Shooting Para Sport World Cup | Three gold medals |
| 2020 | Tokyo Paralympics | Gold in 10m air rifle standing SH1 |
| 2020 | Tokyo Paralympics | Bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 |
| 2022 | World Cup, France | Gold in 10m air rifle SH1 |
| 2022 | World Cup, France | Gold in 50m rifle 3 positions SH1 |
| 2022 | World Cup, South Korea | Gold in 10m air rifle SH1 |
| 2022 | Asian Para Games, Hangzhou | Gold in 10m air rifle SH1 |
| 2024 | Paris Paralympics | Gold in 10m air rifle standing SH1 |
As of 2024, Avani Lekhara's estimated net worth is around $1 million. This figure reflects her earnings from various sources, including her achievements in competitive shooting, sponsorships, and endorsements. Her historic wins at the Paralympics and growing recognition in the field of para sports have also led to support from various organizations, contributing to her financial standing. With her continued success and increasing prominence, her net worth is expected to grow in the coming years.
Avani Lekhara, the celebrated Paralympian shooter, has been gifted a custom-made Mahindra XUV700 by Anand Mahindra, Chairman of the Mahindra Group. This bespoke luxury car was presented to her in recognition of her achievements as a Paralympic gold medalist. The XUV700 has been specifically designed to meet her needs as a specially-abled athlete, featuring unique customizations to enhance accessibility and comfort.
Avani expressed her gratitude for the vehicle, emphasizing its importance in promoting inclusivity in India. She views such customized cars as a significant step toward a more inclusive society and looks forward to seeing more vehicles like this on the road.
Avani Lekhara has maintained a positive public image throughout her career and has not been involved in any major controversies. From overcoming the challenges of a car accident that left her paraplegic to becoming a celebrated Paralympic gold medalist, her journey has been inspirational.
She has focused on promoting inclusivity in sports and advocating for athletes with disabilities, gaining widespread acclaim for her achievements, including becoming the first Indian woman to win multiple gold medals at the Paralympics.
Despite facing personal challenges, such as a recent surgery for gallbladder stones, she has continued to excel, including winning her second consecutive gold medal at the Paris Paralympics. Her story remains a testament to resilience and determination.
Although there are ongoing discussions about the challenges faced by para-athletes in India, such as accessibility and support issues, Avani Lekhara has not been involved in any controversies. Instead, she has used her platform to push for more recognition and support for athletes with disabilities.
Here are some interesting facts about Avani Lekhara:
Avani Lekhara is the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic gold medals, achieving this feat in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics.
She was inspired to take up shooting after reading the autobiography of Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist.
Avani is currently ranked World No. 1 in Women's 10m Air Rifle SH1 according to the World Shooting Para Sport Rankings, reflecting her dominance in the sport.
Avani was paralyzed below the waist following a car accident at the age of 11. Despite this life-changing event, she pursued sports as a form of rehabilitation.
Alongside her sporting career, Avani is also committed to her education and is enrolled in a five-year law degree program at the University of Rajasthan.
Avani loves dogs and has a pet dog.
She enjoys traveling and has visited several countries, including South Korea and France.
Who is Avani Lekhara?
Avani Lekhara is an Indian para-shooter who has gained international acclaim for her achievements in the sport. She is known for winning gold medals in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics, becoming the first Indian woman to achieve such success.
What are Avani Lekhara's major achievements?
Avani Lekhara's major achievements include winning gold medals in the 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at both the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 Paralympics. She also won a bronze medal in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics.
What is Avani Lekhara's estimated net worth?
As of 2024, Avani Lekhara's estimated net worth is around $1 million. This includes her earnings from competitive shooting, sponsorships, and endorsements.