Impressive medal haul for India at Tokyo Paralympics

Shooter Avani Lekhara scripted history by becoming the first Indian athlete to win two individual medals in the same edition of Paralympics or Olympics.

With the bronze medal on September 3, Avani took India's medal tally to 12 at the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

"I am extremely happy, I just can't believe it. Everyone has supported me, whole support staff, coaches, everyone have been with me throughout my journey, so I'm thankful to all," said a delighted Avani.

She added: "I'm feeling so happy, so grateful so elated for everything. When I won gold I was so happy that I couldn't believe it, I felt like I am on top of the world. I was so happy.
"I would like to dedicate my medal to all the Indians, all of them have supported me, I'm so thankful and grateful to each one of them," she had said.
Before the start of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, India had won 12 medals altogether, having competed in 11 editions of the Games since its introduction in 1960, making the Tokyo Games India’s best-ever performance.
Paddler Bhavina Patel had opened India's tally in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics. While Avani and Sumit Antil clinched gold, Nishad Kumar, Devendra Jhajharia, Praveen Kumar, Yogesh Kathuniya, and Mariyappan Thangavelu clinched silver medals.

Sundar Singh Gurjar, Singhraj Adhana and Sharad Kumar have won bronze for India in the ongoing Tokyo Paralympics.

The Indian contingent is expected to win more medals in the upcoming events as the athletes aim to end the Tokyo Paralympics on a high.

(ANI)