India’s para-shooting contingent delivered a spectacular performance at the 2025 Para Shooting World Cup in Al Ain, Dubai, securing a haul of gold and silver medals led by Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara and rising star Akash.
Avani Lekhara’s Dramatic Gold
Avani Lekhara, who has become the face of Indian para-sports, clinched the gold medal in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event. In a thrilling final, she demonstrated nerves of steel to overtake Anna Besnon of Sweden and claim the title. Thailand’s Wannipa Leungvilai secured the bronze medal.
India’s dominance extended to the pistol events, achieving a remarkable double podium finish in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1 category:
Gold Medal: Akash clinched the top spot with a commanding final score of 223.1.
Silver Medal: Compatriot Sandeep Kumar earned the silver medal, completing a 1-2 finish for India.
The duo, combined with Rudransh Khandelwal, also secured the team silver medal in the Mixed 50m Pistol SH1, marking another strong overall performance for the country in the championship.
The success in Al Ain underscores India’s growing strength in para-shooting and builds momentum toward future international competitions.
