Published By: Ritayan Basu
Last Updated: November 28, 2023, 11:32 IST
Indian shooter Avani Lekhara (X)
Avani Lekhara is not hostile to coaching overseas previous to Paris Paralympics.
After her heroics in Tokyo Paralympics, Avani Lekhara is aware of that expectations could be excessive within the Paris Games subsequent yr however stress to carry out works as a motivational drive for this ‘golden girl’ of Indian para taking pictures.
“I would not say there is no pressure. After winning gold in Tokyo, I have seen a lot of people knowing me and cheering for me. There are also high expectations but it gives me motivation to do better and better,” Avani, who gained a gold and a bronze in Tokyo Paralympics in 2021, informed PTI Bhasha in an interview.
“I feel that if a lot of people are looking up to me, it is my duty to give my best whenever I go to the field,” she added.
Born in Jaipur in November 2001, Avani met with a highway accident in 2012 that made her wheelchair-certain ever since.
Her taking pictures profession took off in 2015, impressed by Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra. She started her profession with junior world information however she grew to become a family title after Tokyo Paralympics the place she grew to become the primary Indian lady Paralympian to win two medals (gold in 10m air rifle SH1 and bronze in 50m rifle 3 positions SH1).
“I take one day at a time. I just want to give my best and stay in the present. I do not like to sit on the past glory or think far ahead. For this year, major competitions are done so the focus is on Paris Paralympics and winning more medals for the country,” stated the recipient of Padma Shri and Khel Ratna awards.
“I am participating in multiple events in Paris Paralympics. I can’t predict the medal but I just want that when I come out, I am able to say that I have done my best,” stated the 22-yr-previous.
Avani additionally gained a gold in 10m air rifle SH1 occasion within the latest Hangzhou Asian Para Games. SH1 classification in rifle occasions is meant for para athletes with decrease limb impairment.
She doesn’t need to tinker along with her coaching schedule. But, her focus could be studying from her errors.
“Training is the same as I believe that you should not change the tried and tested formula. I am focusing on my strength and learning from my mistakes. Hopefully, I will overcome those mistakes and perform even better in Paris,” she stated.
Currently coaching in her hometown Jaipur, Avani is not hostile to coaching overseas previous to Paris Paralympics.
“I am training in Jaipur and we have camps in Delhi too. I don’t know about training abroad but the federation is planning something,” she stated.
She is pleased with the popularity para sports activities and para athletes are getting in India and hopes for a greater medal haul in Paris.
“I have seen a lot of differences in the overall scenario as far as para sports is concerned in India. Earlier it was not so inclusive, awareness was not there but now people talk about us and we are getting recognition. If everyone keeps supporting us, we will see a lot of milestones achieved in the next major competition,” stated Avani.
Asked if she considers herself to be within the peak of her profession, she stated, “I don’t want to say that. I am just enjoying my game. I started in 2015 and it’s already a journey of eight years.
“I just want to keep doing my best and shooting is a sport where age doesn’t matter. I want to keep competing with the best in the world,” she stated.
(This story has not been edited by News18 employees and is printed from a syndicated information company feed – PTI)
