Mona Agarwal wins gold, Avani Lekhara silver at Asian Para Games 2026
Synopsis
Mona Agarwal stormed back from fifth place to set a new Asian Para Games record of 250 and claim gold, with Avani Lekhara — the Paris and Tokyo Paralympics champion — winning silver. India's first two medals at the Asian Para Games 2026 came in the same event, and both shooters are now confirmed for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics.
Key Takeaways
Mona Agarwal won gold with an Asian Para Games record score of 250 in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event on 19 October 2026 .
Avani Lekhara claimed silver with 249.6 , earning back-to-back medals at the Asian Para Games after her gold in Hangzhou 2023 .
These were India's first two medals at the ongoing Asian Para Games 2026 .
Mona's record eclipsed Avani's previous mark of 249.6 , though the world record of 252 by Slovakia's Iryna Shchetnik remains intact.
Avani secured a quota place for the 2028 Paralympic Games ; Mona had already secured hers at the World Championships last month.
President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi both congratulated the duo through social media posts.
Shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara claimed gold and silver respectively in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 on 19 October, delivering India its first two medals at the ongoing continental showpiece. Mona set a new Asian Para Games record with a score of 250, while Avani finished just behind with 249.6, making it a near-clean sweep for India at the top.
A Record-Breaking Gold for Mona Agarwal
Mona Agarwal, a Paris Paralympics bronze medallist, produced a stunning comeback in the final after starting from fifth place. She fought her way up the standings to claim the top spot, breaking compatriot Avani's previous Asian Para Games record of 249.6 set at the Hangzhou 2023 edition. However, she narrowly missed the world record of 252 held by Slovakia's Iryna Shchetnik. South Korea's Yunri Lee won bronze with a score of 227.9.
Back-to-Back Continental Medals for Avani Lekhara
Avani Lekhara, a gold medallist at both the Tokyo and Paris Paralympics, had won gold in the same event at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games 2023. Her silver in the current edition makes it back-to-back medals at the Asian Para Games. Notably, this silver also secured Avani a quota place for the 2028 Paralympic Games. Mona had already secured her 2028 Paralympic quota the previous month at the World Championships.
President Murmu and PM Modi Offer Congratulations
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated both athletes through posts on X (formerly Twitter). Addressing Mona, the President wrote: 'I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mona Agarwal on winning the Gold Medal in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. By setting a new Asian Para Games record, you have made this victory even more special. Your achievement will inspire many to dream big and believe that with determination and hard work, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised.'
In a separate post congratulating Avani, President Murmu wrote: 'My warmest congratulations to Avani Lekhara on winning the Silver Medal in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. May your sporting journey continue to bring you new opportunities to excel and fulfil your aspirations. I wish you the very best for the future.'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also congratulated both shooters via a social media post, echoing national pride in the double podium finish.
What This Means for Indian Para Sport
The double-podium finish in a single event reflects the growing depth of India's para shooting programme. This comes amid a broader surge in Indian para-athletic performance following strong showings at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. With both athletes now qualified for Los Angeles 2028, India's medal prospects at the next Games look increasingly assured in the rifle discipline.
Point of View
Yet it receives a fraction of the mainstream coverage given to cricket or even Olympic athletics. A double podium at a continental games, with a world-record attempt in the mix, deserves more than congratulatory posts.
NationPress
19 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What record did Mona Agarwal set at the Asian Para Games 2026?
Mona Agarwal set a new Asian Para Games record of 250 in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event, surpassing the previous record of 249.6 set by Avani Lekhara at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Para Games. She fell short of the world record of 252 held by Slovakia's Iryna Shchetnik.
What medals did Avani Lekhara win at the Asian Para Games?
Avani Lekhara won silver at the Asian Para Games 2026 with a score of 249.6 in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. She had won gold in the same event at the Hangzhou 2023 Asian Para Games, making this her second consecutive medal at the continental showpiece.
Have both Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara qualified for the 2028 Paralympics?
Yes, both athletes have now secured quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games. Avani secured her spot through her silver medal performance at the Asian Para Games 2026, while Mona had already locked in her quota at the World Championships held last month.
Why did President Murmu congratulate the Indian shooters?
President Droupadi Murmu congratulated Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara via posts on X for winning gold and silver respectively in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026 — India's first two medals at the ongoing Games. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also offered his congratulations through social media.
Who finished third in the Women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event?
South Korea's Yunri Lee won the bronze medal with a score of 227.9, finishing behind India's Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara in the event.
