WSPS New Delhi 2024 World Cup: Agarwal wins gold, Lekhara settles for bronze

Hosts India started their campaign on an incredible note as Mona Agarwal clinched the gold medal and secured a Paris 2024 Paralympic quota for India, at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting ranges on Saturday. 

Agarwal, who was playing in her only fourth international in New Delhi, defeated top names in the field that included Tokyo 2020 Paralympic gold and silver medallists Avani Lekhara and Cuiping Zhang to take the gold medal, thanks to her consistent shooting. 
Having led throughout the Elimination round, Agarwal maintained the lead finishing with a total of 250.7 which had two 10.8s in the final competition series. In the process, she finished ahead of champions Zhang (248.8) and Lekhara (227.0).

“I used to always watch on television when the country’s flag is being raised - I always wanted to realise that moment. Today was that moment for me. This gold is special as I won it I my country and infront of my home fans,” said the shooter from Rajasthan, who has tried Para athletics and Powerlifting before picking up Shooting Para sport.

Agarwal, who is a mother of two kids, says it was her kids who inspire her every day. “My kids always ask me when am I winning a medal for India? -- That was my motivation.”

Silver for Pistol team 
There was more success for the Indian side when the team of Vikash Bhatiwal, Nihal Singh and Rahul Jakhar together claimed a silver medal in P3 - Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 event finished behind China.
Bhatiwal, who shot 16 in the final of the event, also set a new World Junior record by his efforts.
As many as 268 shooters from 49 nations are competing in the first Shooting Para Sport World Cup of the season, also the first to be held in South Asia. 20 quota spots for Paris 2024 Paralympics are on offer over the six days action