After “Abhinav Bindra” wreaked havoc in the 2008 Olympic Games by winning the only individual gold medal for India at the Olympics, “Shooting” has become a very renowned sport. After Abhinav, Gagan Narang, Apurvi Chandela, Abhishek Verma, Saurabh Chaudhary, Manu Bhaker each of them took up the sport and showed their prowess on the World Stage. Be it Rajvardhan Rathore in 2004 with Men’s Double Trap Silver, Abhinav Bindra in 2008 with 10m Air Rifle Gold, Gagan Narang in 2012 with 10m Air Rifle Bronze shooting has become the hen that always lays the golden eggs.
So, at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics who are India’s Medal Prospects in Shooting, here’s a quick look: –
With India sending a 15-member shooting contingent to Tokyo at least a medal or two looks certain. Of the 15, 4 men and 5 women are in the top 3 of the rankings of their respective sports, reports the Quint.
Saurabh Chaudary
The 19-year-old, 7-time World Cup Gold Medalist is the only Indian top be mentioned in Times Magazine’s 48 Athletes to Watch Out for at Tokyo. Saurabh is ranked World No. 2 in his 10m Air Pistol Event but his best chance for a Gold comes when he pairs alongside Manu Bhaker for the Mixed 10m Air Pistol Event.
Abhishek Verma
If Saurabh is World Number 2, Abhishek is World Number 1 in 10m Air Pistol. Abhishek and Saurabh, both will grab the eyeballs of the Indians when it comes to their event.
Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker a name that came forth after a supremely dominant performance in 2018, 2019, and 2020 is also a shoulder that has the burden of a billion dreams. Manu and Saurabh have previously won 4 world cup golds so far in the 10m Air Pistol Event. On her day Manu can go shoulder to shoulder with experienced veterans in the sport and shows strong contender ship for the gold. Ranked world number 2 in 25m Air Pistol, Manu is an ideal for “Women Empowerment”.
Divyansh Singh Panwar
Yet another 19-year-old from Jaipur, Divyansh is a bright prospect for a medal in the 10m Air Rifle Event. A four-time gold medalist Divyansh ranked number 2 in Tokyo Rankings.
Elavenil Valarivan
Bringing in the spice of south in this contingent, Elavenil will be competing in the 10m Air Rifle and will be competing alongside Divyansh in the Mixed event of the same sport.
Aishwarya Singh Tomar
This 20-year-old coached by Suma Shirur is an elite portrayal of what wonders great coaching can do to an individual. 2 world cup golds and that too at such a young age!! Ranked number 2 in Tokyo, Aishwarya will show his contender ship for the 50m Air Rifle.
Apart from the above-mentioned, World Number 1 Rahi Sarnobat will be competing in the 25m Air Pistol.
In termination, I would say that whether or not we win a medal in shooting this time around but the very fact that such a formidable squad exists is a very substantial achievement itself. Looking at the shooting competence that India possesses every Indian can proudly affirm that the future of shooting is in safe hands.