Mona Agarwal Wins Silver, Secures LA 2028 Paralympics Spot

India's para-shooting stars are already setting their sights on Los Angeles 2028 after a stunning performance in South Korea this week.

Mona Agarwal, who won bronze at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, secured a silver medal in the Women's 10m Air Rifle SH1 event at the World Shooting Para Sport Championships in Changwon on Thursday. Her second-place finish came with an even bigger prize: a guaranteed spot for India at the LA 2028 Paralympics.

Serbia's Kristina Trifunovic, just 22 years old, took gold with a score of 250.2. Mona finished a razor-thin margin behind at 250.0, making it the first world championship medal of her career.

But the celebration doubled when Avani Lekhara, India's two-time Paralympic gold medalist, claimed bronze with a score of 229.4. Having two Indian athletes on the same world championship podium marked a historic moment for the country's para-shooting program.

For Mona, who won silver at a World Cup at this same venue last year, the world championship medal represents years of dedication finally paying off on the global stage. She now joins an elite group of Indian para-athletes qualified for the next Paralympic Games.

Avani's journey to this podium was particularly meaningful. The 22-year-old three-time Paralympic medalist was competing at the World Championships for the first time in four years after missing Lima 2023. Her last appearance was at Cheongju 2018 in South Korea, making this a homecoming of sorts.

The Changwon range holds special significance for Avani. She's competed at three World Cups there and claimed gold in 2022, proving her comfort and success at this venue.

Why This Inspires

These medals represent more than just individual achievement. With 324 shooters from 53 nations competing for only 24 LA28 quota places, the pressure was immense. The fact that India secured one of those precious slots while also claiming two podium spots demonstrates the strength and depth of the country's para-shooting program.

The competition awards quota places to the top two ranked athletes not otherwise qualified in each medal event, making every shot critical. Mona and Avani delivered when it mattered most, handling the dual pressure of competing for medals and Olympic qualification simultaneously.

Their success also highlights how Paralympic sports in India continue to grow stronger. Athletes who once competed with minimal resources are now winning on the world stage and inspiring the next generation of para-athletes across the country.

India now has one of 150 total quota places available for LA28 shooting events, with Mona leading the charge toward what promises to be another strong Paralympic showing in four years.