Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Indian para shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara after they secured a one-two finish in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on October 19. Agarwal won the gold medal, while Lekhara claimed silver, giving India a strong start to its campaign at the continental sporting event. Their achievement highlighted the country’s growing presence in international para shooting.

Mona Agarwal clinched the gold medal with a score of 250 points, setting a new Asian Para Games record in the event. Her performance surpassed the previous record of 249.6 points, established by Lekhara at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Para Games. Agarwal maintained her composure throughout the final, producing a series of accurate shots to finish at the top of the standings.

Avani Lekhara secured the silver medal with a score of 249.6 points, narrowly finishing behind her compatriot. The Paralympic champion added another international medal to her achievements, continuing her record of success in para shooting. South Korea’s Lee Yunri won the bronze medal with 227.9 points, completing the podium in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 competition.

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Modi praised Agarwal for her precision, determination and composure, congratulating her on winning gold and setting a new continental record. He described the achievement as a special moment for India and wished her success in her upcoming events. The Prime Minister also congratulated Lekhara on her silver-medal finish, acknowledging her consistency and determination in a highly competitive final.

Both Indian shooters had performed strongly in the qualification round before progressing to the final. Agarwal topped the qualification standings with 629.1 points, setting a new Asian Para Games qualification record, while Lekhara finished second with 626.4 points. Their performances translated into a double-podium finish, strengthening India’s early medal tally at the 2026 Asian Para Games.

The result adds to the achievements of India’s para athletes, who have continued to compete successfully across international sporting events. The one-two finish also demonstrates the depth of Indian talent in the women’s SH1 rifle category, in which athletes compete in a standing position with a recognised physical impairment. With the Games continuing, the two shooters will remain among the Indian contingent’s notable performers as the country pursues further medals.

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