Connect with us
Wednesday,05-February-2025
Breaking News

Sports

Avani Lekhara: India’s Only Athlete With 2 Paralympic Gold Medals Who Was Paralysed Below Waist At 11

Published

on

Avani Lekhara made history yet again by clinching the gold medal in women’s shooting at the Paralympic Games in Paris. Competing in the 10m air rifle (SH1) event, the 22-year-old outperformed South Korea’s Lee Yunri and fellow Indian Mona Agarwal to take the top spot.

This victory makes Avani the first Indian athlete, male or female, to win two gold medals at the Paralympics.

The SH1 category in shooting is for athletes who have movement limitations in their arms, lower trunk, or legs, or who may have lost limbs.

Despite these challenges, Avani’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. “I am happy to win a medal for my country. I am thankful to my team, my coaches, and my parents,” she shared after her win.

Who Is Avani Lekhara?

Avani’s journey to Paralympic glory hasn’t been easy. Hailing from Jaipur, she faced significant health challenges leading up to the Games, including a gallbladder surgery that sidelined her for a month and a half.

Despite losing weight and dealing with the aftermath of the surgery, Avani’s determination never wavered.

As an assistant conservator of forests with the Rajasthan government, she balanced her demanding job with rigorous training. At the national camp in Karni Singh, she worked tirelessly to regain her strength and sharpen her focus for Paris.

A Historic Win

Avani, who has been wheelchair-bound since a car accident left her paralyzed from the waist down at 11, first made headlines at the Tokyo Paralympics in 2021 by becoming the first Indian woman to win a shooting medal.

In Paris, she was trailing South Korea’s Lee Yunri by a hair in the final, but kept her cool as Lee faltered under pressure. Avani’s final shot of 10.5 secured her the gold with a Paralympics record.

Looking Ahead

This victory is a huge confidence boost for Avani as she prepares for the 50m rifle 3-positions event, where she’s also expected to be a top contender, having won bronze in Tokyo. All eyes will be on her as she aims for another medal in Paris.

Sports

Telangana CM announces Rs 1 crore reward for Trisha, 10 lakhs each to Dhruthi, head coach Nooshin

Published

on

Hyderabad, Feb 5: Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced a cash incentive of Rs 1 crore to Gongadi Trisha for her impressive show at the recently concluded U19 Women’s T20 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

India women successfully defended their U19 Women’s T20 World Cup after a dominant nine-wicket win over first-time finalist South Africa. Moreover, they also became the first side to win the title without losing any game.

Trisha called on the Chief Minister at his Jubilee Hills Residence in Hyderabad on Wednesday, where Reddy congratulated the allrounder and felicitated her with a shawl and a momento while announcing a cash incentive.

Additionally, the Chief Minister announced a cash incentive of Rs 10 lakhs each to Dhruthi Kesari, who was also a member of the victorious Indian team, trainer Shalini and head coach Nooshin Al Khadeer.

Trisha was named both ‘Player of the Tournament’. She has set the record for most runs in a single edition of the event. The all-rounder amassed 309 runs in seven matches at a whopping average of 77.25 with one century while also claimed seven wickets in as many matches with a best of 3-6.

Trisha was named Player of the Match in the final after she took 3-15 with her leg spin, and then hit 44 not out as India sealed a nine-wicket win to retain their U19 World Cup title.

The triumphant India’s U19 Women’s T20 World Cup team arrived in India on Tuesday. Upon their arrival at the Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) president Jagan Mohan Rao Arishnapally welcomed them and felicitated the players and support staff with a shawl and a bouquet.

Continue Reading

Bollywood

‘Jab Bhi Indian Team Field Par…’: Aamir Khan Shares His Fondest Memories Of Wankhede Stadium After T20I Series Against England

Published

on

Mumbai: India won the T20I series against England with a dominant 4-1 victory. A major highlight of the final match at Wankhede was Abhishek Sharma’s outstanding knock of 135 runs, helping India post a massive total of 247 against England & in response they were bundled on just 97.

The game was witnessed by several bollywood celebrities in attendance, including Amitabh Bachchan, Abhishek Bachchan, and Aamir Khan, who was there with his son Junaid Khan.

After the match, Aamir Khan shared some of his fondest memories of Wankhede Stadium in a video posted by BCCI. He expressed his deep admiration for the Indian team, saying:

“Whenever the Indian team is on the field, there’s a special feeling. If I had ever been a part of the team in any capacity, it would have been a huge honor and a matter of pride for me.”

Aamir recalled two of the most unforgettable matches he witnessed at Wankhede. The first was India’s 2011 World Cup final victory, saying, “That was a special day for all of us one that no one will ever forget.” His second memorable moment was Sachin Tendulkar’s farewell match.

“I was here when Sachin retired. He is my favorite player and a very special cricketer to me he always will be.”

“I used to collect those postcards of the first Indian team I fell in love with” – Aamir Khan

Speaking about the India-England rivalry, Aamir said it’s always a joy to watch these games. He even joked about how this rivalry was featured in his film Lagaan. When asked to describe England using a dialogue from Andaaz Apna Apna, he humorously quoted Crime Master Gogo:

“Aankhein nikal kar gotiya khelunga.”

Aamir also praised Indian cricket for its evolution over the years, sharing that he has been a fan since childhood. He reminisced about collecting postcards of Indian players, saying,

“I used to collect those postcards of the first Indian team I fell in love with.”

Before concluding, Aamir congratulated the India U-19 women’s team for winning the ICC U-19 T20 World Cup by defeating South Africa.

“This is the second time you’ve won the championship, and we are so proud of you.”

Continue Reading

Sports

IND vs ENG 4th T20I: England Skipper Jos Buttler Wins Toss, Elect To Bowl First Against India

Published

on

Update

Toss

Jos Buttler Wins Toss, Elect To Bowl Against India. India make three changes with Shivam Dube, Arshdeep Singh and Rinku Singh added in Playing XI

Preview

Rinku’ Singh’s availability for the penultimate rubber of the five-match series between India and England, to be played at the Maharashtra Cricket Association’s stadium in Pune, was on top of everyone’s mind.

India had a reason to smile on the eve of the match when the left-handed batter stepped on to the field for the warm-ups. By the time Ryan ten Doeschate, the assistant coach, confirmed his availability for Friday’s game and returned to the field, Rinku was already batting in the nets.

Rinku’s addition as a finisher will certainly help the India think-tank to persist with its obsession of left- and right-hand combination at the crease. More importantly, it will give Hardik Pandya a much-needed support in the role of a finisher. Rinku’s ability to clear the field under pressure will mean Hardik can also free his arms up more often that he did in Rajkot.

If Rinku manages to stave off the fiery challenge of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood, India will in all likelihood be able to travel to Mumbai with yet another home series win, with a match to spare.

While Rinku is likely to replace Dhruv Jurel – who was wasted at No. 8 in the last match – India will be hoping for Mohammed Shami to get into even better rhythm with the ball. With an eye on the Champions Trophy, India will want Shami to keep building towards the bigger challenge.

England, meanwhile, will be hoping to crack the Varun Chakravarthy riddle before time runs out. Unless Jos Buttler and Co. manages to save its wickets, it will have an uphill task to keep the series alive.

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending