Rahul Gandhi hails Indian athletes' medal wins at Paralympics

New Delhi

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Monday hailed the multiplemedal wins for India at the Paralympics and said another daughter has madeIndia proud, after shooter Avani Lekhara became the first Indian woman to win agold at the sporting event.

Lekhara scripted history as she became the first Indian woman to win a goldmedal at the Paralympics, firing her way to the top of the podium in the R-2women's 10m Air Rifle Standing SH1 event in Tokyo.

"Morning starts with the great news of Avni Lakhera winning Gold. Big Congratulations!Another daughter makes India proud," Gandhi tweeted.

Two-time gold-winning javelin throw veteran Devendra Jhajharia clinched astupendous third Paralympic medal, a silver this time, while discus throwerYogesh Kathuniya also finished second as India surpassed its best ever medaltally at the Games on Monday.

Sundar Singh Gurjar also chipped in with a bronze, finishing behind Jhajhariain the men's javelin throw F46 final.

"Congratulations for the Silver to Yogesh Kathuniya! The nation standsproud of your inspirational achievements," Gandhi tweeted.

"Devendra Jhajharia and Sundar Singh Gurjar have won Silver and Bronzerespectively in Men's Javelin Throw F46 event. Big congratulations! This hasbeen a good morning for sports in India," the former Congress chief saidin another tweet.

The Congress, from its official Twitter handle, tweeted, "Our daughterscontinue to fill a billion hearts with pride! Congratulations Avani Lekhara ona stunning win to clinch the Gold medal at the Paralympics."

"You are a source of inspiration to countless Indians," the partyadded.

In another tweet, the Congress hailed other medal winners as well, saying ithas been raining medals at the Paralympics.

"As Yogesh Kathuniya clinched the Silver medal at Discus Throw (F56),Devendra Jhajharia & Sundar Singh Gurjar bagged Silver & Bronze medalsrespectively at Javelin Throw (F46)," the party said.

The nation is tremendously proud of all our athletes, it said.

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also hailed Lekhara's achievement andsaid it is a proud moment for the whole country.

She hailed Jhajharia and Gurjar who won the silver and bronze medalrespectively in men's javelin throw F46 event.

In another tweet, Priyanka Gandhi also hailed discus thrower Kathuniya forwinning a silver medal at the Games.

India had won four medals in the 2016 edition while the medal count stands atseven in the ongoing event.

On Sunday, India had picked up a silver (high jump) and a bronze (discusthrow), which is on hold due to a protest.