Indian Paralympic athletes were accorded a grand welcome at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport upon their return from the Paris Paralympics, where they showcased an exceptional performance. On Saturday morning, half of the Indian contingent arrived home after participating in the prestigious event.
Among the returning athletes were Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, Pranav Soorma, Rakesh Kumar, and Manish Narwal. Fans gathered in large numbers outside the airport, showering the para-athletes with flower petals and expressing their admiration.
India's Paralympic stars, including gold medalist Avani Lekhara, silver medalist Manish Narwal, Pranav Soorma, and bronze medalists Rubina, returned to a hero's welcome. The remaining athletes of the Indian contingent will return after the conclusion of the multi-sport event.
Star Indian parashooter Avani Lekhara expressed her gratitude for the support and recognition. "It has been a good journey, and we have won many good medals this time," she said.
Para shooter Mona Agarwal shared her excitement about her first Paralympic experience. "I am feeling very good as I am receiving so much love... My Paralympic journey was very good," she said.
Reigning Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara continued her winning streak, securing gold in the women's 10m air rifle final. She became the first Indian woman to win two gold medals in the Games' history. Shooter Mona Agarwal also bagged a bronze medal in the same event.
Para-archer Rakesh Kumar attributed his victory to his coaches. "I am feeling very good... The credit for my victory goes to my coaches... We will work hard and perform better at the next Paralympics," he said.
The Indian archery pair of Rakesh Kumar and Sheetal Devi clinched the bronze medal in the Mixed Team Compound event, defeating Italy's Eleonora Sarti and Matteo Bonnacina.
India's medal tally at the ongoing Paralympics has reached 27, including six gold medals, nine silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. This is the highest number of gold medals India has ever won at a Paralympics Games event, surpassing the previous record of five golds in Tokyo 2020.
Indian para-athletes have made the nation proud with their exceptional performance, contributing three golds, six silvers, and six bronze medals to the country's overall tally.
Tags: #ParisParalympics2024, #ParaShooting, #ParaArchery, #ParaAthletics, #AvaniLekhara
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