Olympics 2024: After Tokyo debacle, new selection policy keeps Indian shooters razor-sharp for Paris

File photo of Manu Bhaker, the pistol prodigy

Quality and quantity. The presence of 22 Indian shooters at the Paris Olympics, starting July 26, promises medals. This is the highest number of Indian marksmen and markswomen who will leave our shores for an Olympics, and expectations are very high. In the last two editions of the Olympics, zero medals from shooting was a massive disappointment.

The big difference this time is that the selection policy has been stringent and tested the mettle of male and female shooters, who, apart from their individual events, will also nurse medal hopes in the mixed competitions. “A new selection policy in place, plus four trials – this was the best way to see who is in form,” said Abhinav Bindra, 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist. “If this policy works, nothing like it.”

None of the pistol and rifle shooters who had to give their best in four trials complained, even though they were held in harsh summer in New Delhi and Bhopal. There is a mix of seasoned pros and those who have burst on to the scene heading to Paris. “I think, before the trials, there was anxiety for all of us,” said Manu Bhaker, the pistol prodigy. “I worked really hard for the trials and shot well. It is because of these trials I will be representing India in three events in Paris.”

Not having won a medal at the Tokyo Olympics hurt Manu. “I can promise effort, I have been preparing very hard and the support from the Indian government has been fantastic,” she added. She feels a personal coach, Jaspal Rana, helping her out, has been most beneficial. As many as seven personal coaches are travelling to Paris as part of a large contingent.

From the Government side, they have ensured all that needs to be provided has been, with no cap on expenditure whatsoever. “This is my first Olympics and I am shooting only one event,” said Esha Singh, another young pistol-shooter of immense promise. “There will be pressure, I am prepared for it.”

Anish Bhanwala, who will be shooting in the rapid-fire pistol event, said the trials and new policy should work well.  He has also utilised personal coaches in India and Germany. “I felt myself improving in the trials,” said Anish. “This is how they select the Olympic team in Germany.”

The rifle shooters have also peaked well at the trials. Someone like Anjum Moudgil, competing in her second Olympics, is more focused. “Had it not been for these four trials, I would not have made the team, as I did not win a quota,” she said. “These trials were demanding and it showed even though I was the underdog, I  could still make the team.”

Maheswari Chauhan, who will be making her Olympic debut, is pleased as punch. “To have won a quota place at the last minute, that was really super,” she said. “I have been training with my personal coach and am ready for the skeet event plus the mixed one.”

Other hot prospects for medals include Aishwarya Pratap Singh Tomar and Elavenil Valarivan, both in great form. For the record, the shooting venue at Chateauroux is located three hours away from Paris. It is a world-class range and the Indian shooters should be ready for the big day.

Men’s 10m air rifle: Sandeep Singh, Arjun Babuta

Women’s 10m air rifle: Elavenil Valarivan, Ramita Jindal

Women’s 50m rifle 3 positions: Sift Kaur Samra, Anjum Moudgil

Men’s 50m rifle 3 positions: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, Swapnil Kusale

10m air rifle mixed team: Sandeep Singh/Elavenil Valarivan, Arjun Babuta/Ramita Jindal

Men’s 10m air pistol: Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Cheema

Women’s 10m air pistol: Manu Bhaker, Rhythm Sangwan

Men’s 25m rapid fire pistol: Anish Bhanwala, Vijayveer Sidhu

Women’s 25m pistol: Manu Bhaker, Esha Singh

10m air pistol mixed team: Sarabjot Singh/Manu Bhaker, Arjun Singh Cheema/Rhythm Sangwan

Men’s trap: Prithviraj Tondaiman

Women’s trap: Rajeshwari Kumari, Shreyasi Singh

Men’s skeet: Anantjeet Singh Naruka

Women’s skeet: Maheshwari Chauhan, Raiza Dhillon

Skeet mixed team: Anantjeet Singh Naruka/Maheshwari Chauhan