The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) held a memorable felicitation ceremony on Saturday to honor the Indian shooters who participated in the Paris Olympics. The event was a celebration of their achievements, with cash awards and gifts presented to the athletes and their support teams.
Leading the list of honorees were Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, and Sarabjot Singh. Manu, who secured two bronze medals in the air pistol events (individual and pairs with Sarabjot), was awarded a substantial Rs. 45 lakh. Sarabjot received Rs. 15 lakh for his contribution to the pairs medal, while Swapnil, the rifle 3-position medallist, was presented with Rs. 30 lakh.
The NRAI extended its appreciation beyond the medal winners. High Performance Director Dr. Pierre Beauchamp was awarded Rs. 5 lakh, acknowledging his crucial role in the team’s success. Other coaches, including Thomas Farnik, Manoj Kumar, and Samaresh Jung, also received cash awards. The association presented mementos to coaches like Ronak Pandit and the entire support staff who worked tirelessly with the shooters.
The felicitation extended to all Olympic competitors who were present, acknowledging their dedication and efforts. Notably, Akhil Sheoran, Mehuli Ghosh, and Shriyanka Sadangi, who missed out on competing in Paris after the selection trials, were also honored for their role in securing Olympic quota places for India. The NRAI’s acting president, Kalikesh Singh Deo, commended the shooters for their remarkable achievement of securing 21 Olympic quota places and their outstanding performance in Paris.
Special recognition was given to Arjun Babuta, whose pair with Maheshwari Chauhan finished fourth in the men’s air rifle event, and to Anantjeet Singh Naruka, who faced a similar heartbreak in the mixed skeet event. The event was graced by prominent figures including Olympic silver medallist Vijay Kumar, Chef de Mission Gagan Narang, and Raja Randhir Singh, president of the Olympic Council of Asia. Former Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi enthusiastically presented most of the awards. Sponsors Pernod Ricard and Diljeet Titus made the evening memorable for the shooting fraternity, with a special cake for the Olympic medallists.
NRAI Secretary General Sultan Singh highlighted the inspirational impact of the Indian shooters’ performance in Paris. He expressed confidence that their achievements would motivate future generations of athletes to push boundaries and achieve even greater heights in the world of sports.
