The countdown to the Paris 2024 Olympics is officially on, and India is ready to make a splash in the shooting arena. With a record-breaking 21 shooters representing the nation, the team is geared up to face off against 321 of the world’s best athletes. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced the squad well ahead of the July 8 deadline, setting the stage for a thrilling competition. The shooters have already undergone an acclimatization and intensive training camp at Volmerange-Les-Mines, followed by a two-week break, as they prepare for the ultimate showdown. This marks a significant milestone for India, as it sends the largest contingent of shooters to the Olympics, surpassing the previous record of 15 athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Games. Among the 81 participating nations and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Refugee Team, India is tied with China for the highest number of shooters, followed by the Republic of Korea with 16. While the squad boasts fresh faces, it also features familiar names such as pistol star Manu Bhaker and rifle specialists Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Anjum Moudgil, and Elavenil Valarivan. These seasoned veterans, having navigated the turbulent waters of Tokyo, are ready to make their mark again, drawing upon their past experience to strive for glory. Meanwhile, the newcomers to the Olympic stage will benefit from the absence of any previous baggage, allowing them to focus solely on performing at their best. In the years since Tokyo, where India returned empty-handed, the shooting team has seen a blend of highs and lows. Several rule changes and coaching overhauls have impacted the sport, resulting in the decline of some prominent names like Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Apurvi Chandela, and Rahi Sarnobat. However, this shift in the landscape has paved the way for new stars to emerge, including Sift Kaur Samra and Sarabjot Singh. Bhaker, who faced intense media scrutiny following her performance in Tokyo, appears to have bounced back and is ready to compete at her peak. One of the key factors working in India’s favor is the absence of Russia from the competition, due to the stringent qualification restrictions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine. While the IOC confirmed that, as of July 13, 15 AINs (Athlètes Individuels Neutres/Individual Neutral Athletes) with Russian passports have qualified for the Paris Games, none of them are shooters. With a team of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, India’s shooting squad is poised for a strong performance in Paris. The absence of Russia, along with the unwavering dedication and hard work of the athletes, sets the stage for a potential medal haul and a historic chapter in Indian shooting history.
India’s Record-Breaking Shooting Squad Aims for Olympic Glory in Paris
