New Delhi, October 19, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
President Droupadi Murmu on Monday congratulated Indian shooters Mona Agarwal and Avani Lekhara on winning gold and silver medals, respectively, at the ongoing Asian Para Games 2026.
President Murmu congratulated Mona for winning gold in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event with an Asian Para Games record score of 250.
“I extend my heartiest congratulations to Mona Agarwal on winning the Gold Medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. By setting a new Asian Para Games record, you have made this victory even more special,” the President posted on X.
“Your achievement will inspire many to dream big and believe that with determination and hard work, even the most ambitious dreams can be realised,” she added.
The President also congratulated Avani Lekhara on winning silver in the same event, praising her continued success at major international competitions.
“My warmest congratulations to Avani Lekhara on winning the Silver Medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event at the Asian Para Games 2026. May your sporting journey continue to bring you new opportunities to excel and fulfil your aspirations. I wish you the very best for the future,” Murmu wrote in another post.
Avani, a two-time Paralympic gold medallist who won gold at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games in 2023, added another continental medal to her achievements with Monday’s silver.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also congratulated both shooters through a social media post.
Mona and Avani finished closely in the final, with Mona registering 250 points to claim gold and Avani scoring 249.6 for silver. The medals were India’s first at the ongoing Games. South Korea’s Yunri Lee won bronze with a score of 227.9.
Mona, a bronze medallist at the Paris Paralympics, staged an impressive comeback in the final after sitting in fifth place. She climbed into the medal positions before holding off the challenge from her rivals to secure the gold.
Mona also surpassed Avani’s Asian Para Games record of 249.6, set when she won gold at the previous edition in Hangzhou. However, she fell short of the world record of 252 held by Slovakia’s Iryna Shchetnik.
Avani’s performance also secured her a quota place for the 2028 Paralympic Games. Mona had already secured her spot last month at the World Championships.
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