Tokyo Paralympics champion Avani Lekhara took the 'Best Female Debut' accolade at the 2021 Paralympic Sport Awards as announced by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) on Thursday.
Indian shooting Para sport athlete Avani Lekhara was joined by Czech Republic's Boccia player Adam Peska as he took the Male Debut accolade.
Avani this year became the first-ever female Paralympic gold medallist from India. The 19-year-old broke the Paralympic record and equalled the World record in the women's 10m SH1 air rifle standing final.
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She also won bronze in the women's 50m SH1 air rifle standing event to become the first Indian female to win two medals in the Paralympics. It was also India's first Paralympic medal in shooting.
"It's an honour for me to win this award. The focus was always on giving my best shot, bringing home medals for my country, and showing that anything is possible with hard work, dedication, and passion.
India won an unprecedented 19 medals at the Paralympic Games including five gold, eight silver and six bronze
(With inputs from ANI)