Indian Para Shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara Strike Gold and Silver in Japan
Mona Agarwal wins gold and sets a record, while Avani Lekhara takes silver and secures a LA 2028 Paralympics quota at the Asian Para Games in Japan.
India has kicked off its campaign at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with a historic double-podium finish. In a thrilling display of precision and nerves, Indian para shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara claimed the gold and silver medals respectively, marking the first medals for the nation at this edition of the games.
A Record-Breaking Battle for Gold
The women's 10m air rifle standing SH1 final on Monday, October 19, 2026, turned into an all-Indian duel. Mona Agarwal emerged victorious, clinching the gold medal with a stellar score of 250.0. In doing so, Agarwal didn't just win the top prize; she etched her name in the history books by setting a new Asian Para Games record.
The victory was particularly sweet as she surpassed the previous record of 249.6, which had been held by her compatriot, Avani Lekhara, since the 2023 Hangzhou Games. The competition was incredibly tight, with Agarwal edging out Lekhara by a razor-thin margin of just 0.4 points.
The Podium Standings
- Gold: Mona Agarwal (India) - 250.0 (New Games Record)
- Silver: Avani Lekhara (India) - 249.6
- Bronze: Yunri Lee (South Korea)
Dominance from the Start
The final was a reflection of the dominance both athletes showed during the qualification rounds earlier in the day. Mona Agarwal set the tone early, topping the standings with an Asian Para Games record score of 629.1. Avani Lekhara followed closely in second place with 626.4 points, signaling that the final would likely be a fight between the two Indian stars.
Road to Los Angeles 2028
While the silver medal is a massive achievement, it brought an additional strategic victory for India. Through her performance, Avani Lekhara has successfully secured an Olympic quota place for India for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics. Mona Agarwal had already ensured her qualification for the upcoming Paralympics through her success at the World Championships.
India's Largest Ever Contingent
This early success provides a huge boost to the Indian contingent, which is the largest the country has ever sent to an overseas edition of the Games. A total of 312 athletes are representing India across 17 different sports.
About the 2026 Asian Para Games
Held under the inspiring theme "Imagine One Heart," the 2026 Asian Para Games feature 492 medal events spanning 18 sports. The event is regulated by the Asian Paralympic Committee, with the Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games and Asian Para Games Organizing Committee, led by President Hideaki Ohmura, overseeing the operations.
Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, lauded the athletes for their immense passion and determination. The games are scheduled to run from October 18 to October 24, with India looking to build on this strong start in the shooting range.