Full Breakdown
Mona Agarwal’s Gold and Record at the 2026 Asian Para Games
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Gold Medal and Record in Women’s 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1
On October 19, 2026, Indian shooter Mona Agarwal won gold in the women’s 10 m air rifle standing SH1 at the Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, scoring 250.0 points to set a new Games record. Fellow Indian Avani Lekhara took silver with 249.6 points, and South Korea’s Yunri Lee earned bronze with 227.9 points.
Background & Context
The SH1 class is for shooters with lower-limb impairments who do not need a rifle support. Agarwal entered para-shooting in December 2021 after competing in para-athletics, weightlifting and sitting volleyball. She won bronze in the same event at the Paris 2024 Paralympics. Lekhara, the 2022 Asian Para Games champion, held the previous Games record (249.6 points) and is a two-time Paralympic gold-medallist. Both already secured quota places for the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympics.
Key Figures & Groups
- Mona Agarwal – gold medallist, record-setter.
- Avani Lekhara – silver medallist, former champion.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi – issued a congratulatory statement.
- Yogesh Kumar – coach at the Eklavya Sports Shooting Academy, Jaipur.
Timeline
- 2022 – Lekhara sets Asian Para Games record (249.6 points).
- April 24 2024 – Agarwal scores 250.8 points at the World Shooting Para Sport event in Changwon.
- August 30 2024 – Agarwal wins bronze at the Paris Paralympics (228.7 points).
- October 19 2026 – Qualification: Agarwal 629.1 points (record), Lekhara 626.4.
- October 19 2026 – Final: Agarwal 250.0 points (record), Lekhara 249.6 points.
Data & Statistics
- Final scores: Agarwal 250.0 (gold, record), Lekhara 249.6 (silver), Lee 227.9 (bronze).
- Qualification scores: Agarwal 629.1 (record), Lekhara 626.4.
- Previous Games record: 249.6 (Lekhara, 2022).
- World record: 252.0 (Iryna Shchetnik, Ukraine, 23 Aug 2018).
Why It Matters / Impact
The one-two finish gave India its first medals of the 2026 Games and secured a second quota slot for Los Angeles 2028. The result highlights the rapid rise of Indian para-shooters on the continental stage and the effectiveness of multi-sport development pathways. Agarwal’s achievements were later recognised with the Arjuna Award in 2024.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the shooters’ “precision, determination and composure,” calling the performance “especially special.” He also commended Lekhara’s “consistency and determination.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Birth date: Reported as 8 Nov 1987 (Indian Express, India Today, Livemint) or 11 Aug 1987 (Times of India).
- Place of birth: Listed as Sikar, Rajasthan or Jaipur, Rajasthan.
- World-record claim: News18 cites a 252.0-point record by Iryna Shchetnik but provides no governing-body verification.
What’s Next
Both shooters will represent India at the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where their Asian Para Games performances will influence team selection and preparation.