Tokyo Paralympics: Praveen Kumar claims high jump silver, Avani Lekhara adds shooting bronze

India's high-flying performance in the Tokyo Paralympics continued with a couple of more medals. Praveen Kumar bagged a silver in the high jump, while Avani Lekhara added a bronze in the shooting.

Team Newsable

Tokyo, First Published Sep 3, 2021, 1:02 PM IST

There was no stopping India at the Tokyo Paralympics, as India bagged a couple of more medals. While Praveen Kumar claimed a silver in the high jump, Avani Lekhara added a bronze in the shooting, taking India's medal tally to 12 in the competition.

Praveen scripted a new Asian record after jumping to a height of 2.07 metres, while Jonathan Broom-Edward of Great Britain bagged the gold medal. It was also his personal best performance in the event, while he has become the youngest Indian Paralympian to win a medal at the age of 18.

He competed in the T64 category that is for athletes who have amputated legs and compete by standing using prosthetics. Although Praveen categorically falls in T44, he can compete in the T64 category. The former type adds leg length difference and impaired muscle power, while it also includes the lack of passive range of leg movements.

Following his performance, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi tweeted, "Proud of Praveen Kumar for winning the Silver medal at the #Paralympics. This medal is the result of his hard work and unparalleled dedication. Congratulations to him. Best wishes for his future endeavours. #Praise4Para".

ALSO READ: Tokyo Paralympics: Mariyappan Thangavelu, Sharad Kumar give India high jump medals

Meanwhile, shooter Avani Lekhara added another medal to her campaign, as she has won the bronze in the 50m Rifle 3 Position of the SH1 category. She had earlier won the gold in the 10m air rifle.

Avani had a commendable performance in the qualifiers, finishing second and scoring 1,176, including 51 inner 10s. The finals were closely-competed as she scored 445.9, just ahead of Iryna Shchetnik of Ukraine.

Earlier, she has become the first Indian para-athlete to bag gold in the competition, while she is also the first to win twin medals in the same. She is also the first Indian para-shooter to win a Paralympic medal.

"More glory at the Tokyo #Paralympics. Elated by the stupendous performance of @AvaniLekhara. Congratulations to her on bringing home the Bronze medal. Wishing her the very best for her future endeavours. #Praise4Para," tweeted Modi.

NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitise, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona

Last Updated Sep 3, 2021, 1:02 PM IST

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Tokyo Paralympics: Praveen Kumar claims high jump silver, Avani Lekhara adds shooting bronze

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