The hype train is chugging towards Châteauroux, where 21 Indian shooters are set to face off against 321 of the world’s best in pursuit of Olympic glory. This marks India’s largest ever Olympic shooting contingent, a testament to the growth of the sport in the country. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced the squad well ahead of the July 8th deadline for Paris 2024 entries, signifying their ambition and confidence.
The shooters have undergone an acclimatization and training camp at Volmerange-Les-Mines, followed by a two-week break, before the final push. While Tokyo 2020 saw India send 15 shooters, the team for Paris is significantly larger, with India tying with China for the most shooters amongst the 81 participating nations and the IOC Refugee Team.
The team features a blend of experienced campaigners and fresh faces. Pistol star Manu Bhaker and rifle wielders Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Anjum Moudgil, and Elavenil Valarivan lead the veterans, eager to capitalize on their Tokyo experience. The newcomers, on the other hand, will be looking to make their mark on the world stage without the weight of past performances.
The road to Paris hasn’t been smooth for Indian shooters. Following a disappointing performance at Tokyo 2020, the team has faced a rollercoaster ride of ups and downs. Numerous rule changes, coaching overhauls, and the absence of prominent names like Saurabh Chaudhary, Abhishek Verma, Apurvi Chandela, and Rahi Sarnobat have left their mark. However, the emergence of new talents like Sift Kaur Samra and Sarabjot Singh has injected fresh energy into the squad.
Manu Bhaker, after facing intense media scrutiny, has rebounded admirably. The absence of Russia from the competition due to strict qualification restrictions following the Ukraine invasion adds another layer to the dynamic. While the IOC confirmed the participation of 15 Individual Neutral Athletes (AIN) with Russian passports, none of them are shooters.
At the 2021 Olympics, Russia secured third place with 2 gold, 4 silver, and 2 bronze medals, trailing China (4 gold, 1 silver, 6 bronze) and the United States (3 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze). The absence of this formidable Russian contingent creates an opportunity for other nations, including India, to step up.
The Indian team’s selection process, based on a new format for Olympic Selection Trials, has sparked debate. While the US Olympic trials are open to all athletes, India opted for a closed selection, pitting the top five shooters against each other for the Paris ticket. This resulted in nine quota winners missing out on the final team, including the former World Championship gold medalist Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil. His omission sparked controversy, prompting him to appeal to the NRAI, but his request was denied.
Sandeep Singh, a controversial figure who was previously involved in a doping scandal, emerged as an unexpected contender, topping the trials in the men’s 10m air rifle. This selection surprised many, even former coaches, as Sandeep hadn’t achieved much prior to the trials. The shotgun squad also saw notable omissions, with Bhowneesh Mendiratta, India’s first quota winner in the 2024 cycle, and two-time Olympian Mairaj Ahmad Khan not making the cut. Shreyasi Singh, a shooter and Bihar Legislative Assembly member, was later included after the ISSF approved a swap of quota places.
The biggest hurdle for the Indians will likely come from the Chinese contingent, which boasts multiple Olympic and World champions. Sheng Lihao, a silver medalist in the 10m air rifle at Tokyo 2020, returns without teammate Yang Haoran. He’ll be joined by the sensational Du Linshu, who won five gold medals at the Junior World Championship in Cairo. In the 10m air pistol, world champions Zhang Bowen and Jiang Ranxin pose a significant threat. Reigning world champion Zhang Qiongyue will be the primary challenge for world record holder Sift in the women’s 50m 3P event.
While the Indian squad looks formidable on paper, overcoming mental barriers remains a key challenge. Dr. Pierre Beauchamp, appointed by the NRAI after the Tokyo disappointment, is tasked with bolstering the team’s mental resilience and shielding them from pressure and distractions.
The shooting events will be held at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre between July 27th and August 5th. The world is watching as India’s shooters strive to rewrite their Olympic destiny.
