The Indian shooting team has scripted a historic performance at the Paris Olympics 2024, and this is revolutionary in the history books of Indian sports. For the first time in 124 years of India’s Olympic participation, a single sport has brought the country three medals in one year. This achievement is a brilliant example of the remarkable talent of Indian shooters.
India Abilities
The journey to this historic achievement began with a stellar performance from Manu Bhaker. She clinched an early bronze medal from the women’s individual 10m air pistol final round to mark India’s entry into the medal tally in the earlier days of the Paris Olympics. Her act was nothing short of a statement about her ability and readiness, raising the bar very high for her compatriots.
After this, the shooters didn’t shy away from making an impact. In the mixed team 10-meter air pistol event, Bhaker partnered with Sarabjot Singh for joint bronze. Another victory, another testament to the fact that Indian shooting is strong not only on individual levels but even as a team. This points to the ability and depth of the squad to be versatile.
This significant breakthrough in history was given a further seal of approval on Day 6 of the Games when Swapnil Singh clinched India’s first-ever medal in the men’s 50m Rifle 3-Positions final by grabbing the bronze. Singh’s performance stands out, especially since he trailed a field of the highest quality.
India’s Record-Breaking Shooting Medals
For the first time in India’s Olympic history since 1900, a single sport has won the country three medals in one Olympic Games. The nation has previously won two medals in a particular sport in an Olympic edition. It is the first-ever success for India’s shooting team at the Paris Olympics. In shooting, the previous best was the two medals won by Indian shooters at the London 2012 Olympics, thanks to Gagan Narang’s bronze and Vijay Kumar’s silver.
India won two medals in boxing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where Bajrang Punia won bronze in 65 kg freestyle wrestling and Ravi Kumar Dahiya won silver in 57 kg freestyle wrestling. However, the Indian shooting team’s achievement in Paris is a new high and reflects the great progress that has been made in the game.
Building good-quality infrastructure for training and working on different equipment and arms helps develop shooters for overseas competition. Early support in such programs, including the needed training, cements the fact that there will have to be a constant flow of skilled athletes well prepared for the demands of international competition. The element of personalized coaching has allowed athletes to tune their skills and come up with strategies according to their strengths. The shooters themselves are quite dedicated. They have good perseverance and commitment to training and preparation for the competitions.
Setting New Standards
Their performance at the Paris Olympics will indeed remain in memory as a landmark moment for the Indian shooting team. This success will inspire future athletes to see what can be achieved through hard work and support. More than being merely a shot in the arm, this victory does much more and changes the competitive dynamics of shooting in India.
This win lays a strong foundation for growth in the future. The next generation will be inspired to do better than this and strive for greater heights in international competitions. Further efforts will soon support improvements in infrastructure, the development of grassroots programs, and advanced coaching for athletes. The feats achieved by Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, and Swapnil Singh set a new benchmark in shooting. It will be remembered as a record of excellence, a high point toward which future shooters will look to their performances.
