Bollywood and sports fraternity celebrated shooter Avani Lekhara’s big win at the Paralympics in Tokyo. She became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Games.
Film star Akshay Kumar called it a “golden moment” for the country and Kareena Kapoor Khan, Taapsee Pannu and Vicky Kaushal among others wrote how proud India was of her achievement.
The 19-year-old wheelchair-bound shooter from Jaipur fired her way to the top of the podium in the R-2 women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
Kumar took to Twitter and wrote Lekhara had hit the “bullseye” with her win.
“Congratulations #AvaniLekhara for hitting the bullseye and creating history by becoming the first Indian woman to win a #Paralympics gold medal Sports medal. What a debut!” the “BellBottom” actor wrote.
Kaushal took to Instagram and called Lekhara a “star”.
“First ever Gold for India at Paralympics! Congratulations @avani.lekhara for this historic win. What a debut! What a star,” the “Uri” actor wrote.
Abhishek Bachchan tweeted, “A gold-en moment for India! Hats off @AvaniLekhara on becoming the first Indian woman to win gold at #TokyoParalympics.”
Actors Randeep Hooda, Dia Mirza and Rakul Preet Singh also congratulated the shooter.
Following Avani’s win, two-time gold-winning javelin throw veteran Devendra Jhajharia clinched a third Paralympic medal, a silver this time, while discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya also finished second as India surpassed its best ever medal tally at the Games.
Sundar Singh Gurjar also chipped in with a bronze, finishing behind Jhajharia in the men’s javelin throw F46 final.
Neeraj Chopra, who recently won a gold at the Tokyo Olympics, wrote, “Devendra bhai sahab: you are such an inspiration to all of us! Congratulations on your 3rd #Paralympics medal! Many congratulations to Sundar bhai also for winning a Third place medal @DevJhajharia @SundarSGurjar.”
Indian T20 women’s team captain Harmanpreet Kaur wrote, “A spirited performance by our Indian athletes at the Paralympic Games. ? Congratulations: Avani Lekhara on becoming the 1st Indian woman to win? Bhavina Patel, Nishad Kumar ,Devendra Jhajharia and Yogesh Khatuniya on winning? Sundar Singh Gurjar and Vivek Kumar on winning.
IPL franchise Mumbai Indians also congratulated the winners.
Cricketer Suresh Raina wrote, “India’s Golden Girl @avanilekhara bull’s-eye shot. What an inspiring performance #Paralympics @pumacricket.”
India opened its medal tally on Sunday with Bhavina Patel winning the first-ever silver medal in table tennis at the Paralympics. Nishad Kumar also won a silver in high jump, followed by a bronze by Vinod Kumar in discus throw.