"Shooting is a mental game" - Avani Lekhara gives insights into her preparations for Paralympics 2024

Paralympics 2024 are set to commence on August 28th in Paris. India has sent its biggest-ever contingent comprising 84 athletes, including 32 women.

Three years ago, at Tokyo, India had its most successful Paralympiad ever. In 2021, a contingent of 54 athletes competed across nine different sports and secured a total of 19 medals. Before this, India had only ever won 12 medals in total since 1968.

One of the stars of the campaign was Avani Lekhara. Only a teenager back then, Lekhara became the first woman to win a gold for India at the quadrennial games. Her medal was also India's first ever in the discipline of shooting in Paralympics history.

Set to participate in three different events at Paris, Lekhara hopes to emulate her performance at Tokyo. In a recent interview with All India Radio, she gave insights into her preparations for the marquee event.

"I am participating in 3 events in Paris. I will try to give my best and hopefully get a medal for the country," said Lekhara.

At Tokyo, Lekhara participated in four different events and finished on the podium in two of them. In addition to her gold in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1, she also clinched a bronze medal in the Women's 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1.

This year, along with the two aforementioned events, she will also be competing in the Mixed Team Air Rifle Prone with Siddhartha Babu by her side. Lekhara says that the focus of her preparations has been on the mental aspects.

"Shooting is a more mental game," she said. "So, we are trying to work on our mental strength. When you go to a stage which features the best athletes in the world, the ones who have worked on their mental strength and can focus and concentrate, (eventually) succeed. Hence, we also have been working on the same."

---

"That motivates us further" - Avani Lekhara on India's returns from shooting at the Paris Olympics

In the recently concluded Paris Olympics, India won three medals in the sport of shooting - more than it had ever won in a single edition before. Along with it, there were also two fourth-place finishes.

Avani Lekhara believes that such positive returns serve as a motivation for the para-shooters ahead of the Paralympics 2024.

"It feels really good that the Indian team has got medals (at the Olympics). That motivates us further to go there and do well," the 22-year-old said in the same interview.

As the countdown to the Paralympics begins, the air crackles with conversations about India aiming for 25 medals this year. Lekhara believes that it is indeed possible.

"Last time, around 50 (54) athletes went (to the Paralympics) and got 19 medals. This time 84 athletes are going. So, hopefully we will see an increase in the number of medals as well. If everyone gives their best, then (it is) definitely (possible)," she said.

Five out of those 19 medals at Tokyo came from shooting. Having said that, the expectations from para-shooters at Paris are of nothing less.

"We have a team of 10 shooters and everyone is working quite hard. Everyone is shooting well. But it depends on how you perform on the day. We can’t predict anything. But everyone is motivated to go there and give their best," added Lekhara.

The opening ceremony of Paralympics 2024 will take place on August 28th and the competitions will start the next day. The shooting events will commence on 30th August.