India’s Mona Agarwal has made the country proud at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. She won the gold medal in the women’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event, setting a new Asian Games record. Mona scored 250 points to secure the top position. India also celebrated a second medal in the same event, as fellow shooter Avani Lekhara claimed silver. The double podium finish highlighted India’s strong performance in para shooting.
Avani Lekhara Wins Silver
Avani Lekhara scored 249.6 points to finish second, just 0.4 points behind Mona. Avani had won gold in this event at the previous Asian Para Games, but this time she had to settle for silver. For Mona, the victory marked her first medal at the Asian Para Games. Both Indian shooters also qualified for the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympics, adding another major achievement to their success in Japan.
Mona Leads the Qualification Round
Mona had already shown her form in the qualification round, where she finished at the top with 629.1 points, setting an Asian record. Avani scored 626.4 points in qualification. Mona carried that momentum into the final and delivered a performance strong enough to claim gold. Her achievement reflects years of effort and determination in a sport that demands exceptional focus, control and consistency.
Who Is Mona Agarwal?
Mona was born in Sikar, Rajasthan. Before choosing shooting, she tried her hand at several sports, including volleyball. She decided to pursue shooting professionally in 2021. Her journey into competitive sport came with personal challenges, but she continued working towards her goals. Her success at the Asian Para Games has now brought her into the spotlight as one of India’s leading para shooters.
A Journey That Began with Challenges
Mona contracted polio when she was just nine months old. She is the youngest of three sisters. According to the report, her family had hoped for a son, and Mona was initially treated as an unwanted child in a conservative household. However, her grandmother, Geeta Devi, stood by her and supported her. That support became an important part of Mona’s journey as she moved forward despite the challenges she faced.
A Historic Moment for Indian Para Shooting
Mona’s gold medal and record-breaking score have added another proud moment to India’s sporting story. Her victory over a strong field, including Paralympic champion Avani Lekhara, shows how far she has come since taking up shooting in 2021. With both athletes qualifying for the 2028 Paralympics, India will now look ahead to another major international challenge. For Mona, the Asian title is a significant milestone in a journey built on persistence and determination.
