India’s Shooting Contingent Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris
As the Paris Olympics draw near, India’s shooting contingent, comprising a record 21 members, embarks on a historic mission to break the medal drought that has plagued the nation in recent editions of the Summer Games.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has selected a squad based on current form rather than past achievements, placing its hopes on a group of debutants who are unburdened by the weight of past performances.
Among the key athletes to watch is Manu Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy who has won numerous medals at world events. Despite a setback at the Tokyo Games, Bhaker will be competing in three disciplines: 10m air pistol, 25m pistol, and 10m pistol mixed team.
Another promising shooter is Sift Kaur Samra, who won gold in the 50m rifle three positions at the Asian Games. She will team up with seasoned pro Anjum Moudgil in the women’s 50m rifle three positions event.
On the men’s side, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, a member of the gold-winning team at the 2023 World Championships, will be a key contender in the 50m rifle three positions alongside Swapnil Kusale.
Debutants such as Anish Bhanwala, Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Babuta, Arjun Singh Cheema, and Vijayveer Singh will also be looking to make their mark on the international stage.
India’s main challenge will come from China, which is also fielding a strong contingent of 21 shooters. However, India’s chef de mission, Gagan Narang, believes that the team is well-prepared and confident in their abilities.
“There is genuine belief that we are at par with the best in the world,” said Narang, who won a bronze medal at the 2012 Olympics.
The shooting competition will take place in the sleepy French town of Chateauroux, away from the hustle and bustle of Paris. This could prove to be an advantage for the Indian shooters, who will be able to focus solely on their performances.
With a squad full of talented debutants and a strong belief in their abilities, India’s shooting contingent is poised to make a significant impact at the Paris Olympics and end the nation’s medal drought in this prestigious event.
