India has made a spectacular start at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with para-shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara delivering a remarkable gold-silver finish. Mona clinched the gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, while two-time Paralympic gold medallist Avani secured silver, giving India its first medals of the competition.
Mona Agarwal Creates History With Record-Breaking Gold
Mona Agarwal produced an outstanding performance in the final on October 19, scoring 250.0 points to win gold and establish a new Asian Para Games record. She finished just 0.4 points ahead of compatriot Avani Lekhara, making it a closely contested battle between the two Indian shooters.
South Korea’s Lee Yunri secured the bronze medal with 227.9 points.
Mona had already demonstrated her impressive form during the qualification round, where she topped the standings with 629.1 points. Her score established a new qualification record at the Games, setting the stage for her remarkable performance in the final.
The victory also marks a significant improvement for Mona, who finished sixth in the same event at the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Para Games.
Avani Lekhara Adds Another Medal to Her Collection
Avani Lekhara finished second with 249.6 points, narrowly missing out on gold. The reigning champion had won the same event at the 2022 Asian Para Games and continued her impressive international record with another podium finish.
The silver medal also secured Avani a quota place for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games. Mona had already secured her Paralympic quota through the World Championships.
India Begins Its Campaign on a High
The Indian duo’s achievement highlights the country’s growing strength in para-shooting. With a record-breaking gold and a hard-fought silver, Mona and Avani have given the Indian contingent a memorable start at the Asian Para Games 2026.