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Asian Para Games 2026: Mona & Avani Script History
India made a roaring start on Day 1 of the Asian Para Games 2026 as shooter Mona Agarwal clinched gold with a record score in the women's 10m Air Rifle SH1 event, while c...
India kicked off its campaign at the Asian Para Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with an astounding, record-breaking opening day. Shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara led the charge by securing a stunning 1-2 finish in the women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. Simultaneously, armless archery sensation Sheetal Devi made headlines in the para-archery arena by matching the World Record score, signaling India's dominant presence across events.
What Happened in the 10m Air Rifle Final?
In a nerve-wracking, high-octane 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 final, Indian sharpshooter Mona Agarwal edged out defending champion Avani Lekhara by a paper-thin margin of 0.4 points to claim the gold medal. Mona registered a brilliant total score of 250.0 points, which also set a new Asian Para Games Record. Avani, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, chased closely throughout the final series to bag the silver medal with a score of 249.6 points, while South Korea's Lee Yunri captured the bronze.
Who Are the Key Performers of the Day?
Mona Agarwal: The Paris Paralympic bronze medalist cemented her position among the world elite by winning India’s first gold medal at the 2026 Games. Her record score of 250.0 shattered the previous tournament record set by Avani in 2023.
Avani Lekhara: Demonstrating remarkable consistency under intense pressure, Avani put up a courageous fight to secure silver and earn another quota place for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
Sheetal Devi: The world-renowned para-archer delivered a masterclass in the qualification round, matching the existing World Record score to dominate her discipline.
Why Is This Historic Achievement Significant for India?
This double-podium finish marks India's first medal double in a single shooting event at the Asian Para Games. Mona Agarwal became only the second Indian female shooter after Avani Lekhara to win a gold medal at the Asian Para Games. The dominant performances on the opening day send a powerful message regarding India’s growing prowess and world-class athletic preparation in Paralympic sports.
Where Did the Action Take Place?
The shooting competitions unfolded at the state-of-the-art shooting range in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where top athletes from across the continent gathered to contest for Asian glory.
How Did Sheetal Devi Perform in Archery?
Operating with incredible precision, Sheetal Devi matched the World Record mark during her para-archery qualification round. Drawing her bow seamlessly using her legs and shoulders, she outclassed the field to set a gold-standard benchmark heading into the knockout stages.