In a significant achievement for Indian shooting, Rajeshwari Kumari has secured India’s seventh quota for the Paris Olympics in the women’s trap event. Her impressive performance at the World Championships held in Baku, Azerbaijan, earned her a fifth-place finish, granting her a coveted spot in the upcoming Olympics.
Rajeshwari Kumari, daughter of Olympian and India’s first Asian Games gold medallist shooter Randhir Singh, expressed her elation at the achievement. While the feeling of qualifying for the Paris Olympics is surreal, she revealed that it might take some time for the realization to fully sink in. Speaking from Baku, she shared, “I am getting so many calls and love from so many people. However, I am not able to enjoy it as I missed a medal in my first final at the World level.”
This marks India’s fourth quota secured from the Championships, a testament to the nation’s growing prowess in shooting sports. If Rajeshwari Kumari retains her quota, she will create history by becoming part of the first-ever father-daughter shooter duo to participate in the Olympics. Her father, Randhir Singh, expressed his pride and happiness for her achievement, stating, “She has been a hardworking kid and she deserved this success since a long time.”
Rajeshwari Kumari’s journey in shooting dates back to 2013, and her commitment to the sport is evident in her consistent efforts. While she is yet to win an individual international medal, her achievement in securing an Olympics quota is a significant step forward. Coming from a family of accomplished shooters, including her Olympian father, Rajeshwari acknowledged the natural pressure that comes with the legacy. She emphasized that although her family doesn’t impose any pressure, it’s inevitable for her to feel it. Nevertheless, she expressed relief after clinching the quota for the country and set her sights on winning a medal at the Olympics.
In the qualification rounds, Rajeshwari demonstrated exceptional skill by shooting five impressive series, accumulating a total of 120 points and securing a third-place position to enter the final. The six-woman final saw her begin on a positive note, shooting four birds in the opening five-shot series. However, a setback in the subsequent round, where she missed two targets, proved decisive for her final placement.
Rajeshwari Kumari’s accomplishment adds to India’s growing presence in international shooting competitions, enhancing the nation’s prospects at the upcoming Paris Olympics. Her dedication, hard work, and determination serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes across the country.
