Shooting has witnessed a surge in popularity in India, thanks to the heroics of Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang. The sport has become as popular as cricket among Indian fans, and the country has secured quotas in every Olympic shooting category for the first time.
However, the selection process for the Paris Olympics 2024 has been controversial. Trap shooter Bhowneesh Mendiratta, who had bagged India's first Paris quota, missed out on a berth after the national trials. Prithviraj Tondaiman was given the quota in his place.
Other notable exclusions from the squad include former world champion Rudrankksh Patil, Tokyo Olympian Divyansh Singh Panwar, and Asian Games medallist Ashi Chouksey. Patil has expressed his disappointment, citing the inexperience of Sandeep Singh, who has been selected ahead of him.
Gagan Narang, India's Chef de Mission for the Paris Olympics, has defended the selection process, calling it "fair" and "equal." He believes that the Covid-19 outbreak has negatively impacted India's shooters, as many lost their momentum and form.
Narang has high hopes for his students, Elavenil Valarivan and Ramita Jindal, who will be representing India in Paris. He believes that they have the potential to perform well at the Olympics.
Overall, India has a strong shooting contingent for the Paris Olympics. The team includes experienced shooters like Manu Bhaker and Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, as well as promising young talents like Valarivan and Jindal. The team will be hoping to make a mark on the world stage and bring home medals for India.
Tags: #Shooting, #ParisOlympics2024, #IndianShootingTeam, #BhowneeshMendiratta, #RudrankkshPatil
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