Hangzhou, September 30, 2023 – The Fuyang Yinhu Sports Centre in Hangzhou, China, has been the stage for a record-setting and history-making display of talent by Indian shooters over the past week. The trend continued on Friday as India added more medals to its tally in various shooting disciplines. This resurgence signifies that the sport is back on track after the disappointment of the Tokyo Olympics.
The morning session delivered a total of five medals, comprising two gold, two silver, and a bronze. Esha Singh, in particular, continued her remarkable run, securing her fourth medal of these Games. Palak Gulia claimed an individual gold in the women’s 10m air pistol event, marking India’s first 1-2 finish in these Games.
Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar also contributed to India’s medal haul, earning a silver in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions. Earlier in the morning, Tomar played a pivotal role in securing India’s first gold of the day in the team event.
The standout moment came when Palak Gulia and Esha Singh outperformed their Chinese counterparts, Ranxin Jiang and Nan Zhao, in a remarkable display of skill. Despite facing initial setbacks, the Indian duo managed to outshine their rivals, leaving the Chinese shooters outside of the medal positions. Pakistan’s Kishmala Talat claimed the third spot.
Reflecting on her performance, Palak Gulia said, “I was a bit nervous after my first shot, thinking about what I had hit. But then I told myself it’s not over; it’s just the first shot, and I have 23 more shots to go.”
The Indian shooting contingent’s remarkable success in Hangzhou serves as a testament to their dedication and the sport’s resurgence following the challenges faced in Tokyo. As they continue to shine on the global stage, India’s shooting stars are proving that they are a force to be reckoned with in the world of competitive shooting.
