If the Tokyo Paralympics taught her to confront her inner demons and understand her own struggles, the Paris Games will teach her to embrace herself with courage. Avani Lekara will shoot with a different mindset at Chateauroux Shooting Centre. The last three years have been a period of self-discovery for Lekara. She was stunned by the surprise she encountered after returning from Tokyo with two Paralympic gold medals. In 2012, she was in a car accident and nearly died, paralysing her from the waist down. She tried to make a living from sports and was brave enough to leave her depression behind. Her success in Tokyo lifted her spirits. She became famous overnight and an inspiration to people with physical disabilities. Anwani is proud to be in this position. Going into my second Paralympic Games, it felt like a completely different experience. I have received love and blessings from people all over the country who have supported and encouraged me to succeed. I feel more confident now, both emotionally and professionally,” Lekara said.
“Photography has given me a lot of fame, but it has also given me the confidence to represent my community and myself and not hide behind my disability. The most important thing is, ‘Well, if it can be done, why can’t we do it?’ That would be the mindset of a lot of people. I could win an award and leave in a wheelchair. "I feel like I can do anything," said the 22-year-old.
Avani continues to focus on the task at hand while working on multiple projects. She participated in four events. She broke the world record with the 10m air rifle SH1 event in Tokyo and became the first Indian woman to win a gold medal at the Paralympics. Currently, an athlete can only compete in a maximum of three events per regulation. Awani will next participate in three physical events: 10m air rifle stand, 10m prone and 50m. "I think I still have a lot to learn. There is a lot to explore. I am more of a shooter now. I improved my technique and returned to Paris with more confidence.
Two years ago when I was there I also managed to win the quota. It won't be anything new for me. This time it will be a new experience. I hope I can have fun with it. He admits that he will have to perform well because of the high expectations placed on him. Try to leave all that behind when you pull into the driveway. some changes have occurred. I tried new chairs, new weapons, and many new accessories. But since I have been working with these vehicles since 2015, 80% of them were the same. I appreciate that sentiment. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it" is my guiding principle. "After the Paralympics, there are more medals and more shooters. There are a lot of new faces on the team this time. We hope to do better than Tokyo.
