Tokyo Paralympics 2021: Sumit Antil and Avani Lekhara clinch Gold for India

The seventh day of the ongoing Tokyo Olympics was a fruitful one for the Indian contingent as the spirited athletes clinched a total of five medals. The 19-year old Avani Lekhara scripted history as she won a Gold in R-2 Women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. The youngster from Jaipur became the first Indian woman to win a Gold medal in the Paralympics.

She achieved the podium finish after a world record equalling total of 249.6 as the youngster came up with her best. Avani’s score of 249.6 is also the new Paralympic record.

On the other hand, Sumit Antil continued the dream day for India as he bagged a Gold medal after throwing his spear to a world record distance of 68.55 metres in Javelin Throw F64 event. Tokyo Olympics Gold medalist Neeraj Chopra also congratulated the wrestler-turned Javelin Thrower.

Discus thrower Yogesh Kathuniya won Silver medal for the country in men’s F56 event. The 24-year old achieved the second position after he threw the discus to a distance of 44.38 in his sixth and final throw.

Devendra Jhajharia continued his domination in Javelin Throw as he clinched the Silver medal after he came up with his best in the F46 final. This was Jhajharia’s third Paralympic medal and he dedicated it to the people of the country as well as his late father. Sundar Singh Gurjar also won a Bronze medal in the F46 Final of Javelin Throw.

However, Vinod Kumar was declared ineligible for discus throw F52 bronze medal after disability classification assessment by the organisers.

India has thus far won seven medals in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics 2021 and they are currently placed at the 26th place in the medal’s tally.