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Manu Bhaker and Sarabjot Singh, both 22-year-old Indian shooters, have etched their names in history by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed event at the ongoing ISSF World Cup in Chateauroux, France.Bhaker, a seasoned Olympian, displayed her experience and composure throughout the competition. She guided her younger teammate, Sarabjot, who was making his Olympic debut, through the intricacies of the event.The Indian duo faced a tough challenge in the bronze medal match against Korea's Lee Won-ho and Oh Ye-jin. However, they remained unfazed and dominated the match with a score of 16-10.Bhaker's steady shooting and Sarabjot's quick recovery from an initial setback proved crucial for their victory. Bhaker's ability to maintain her focus and execute precise shots under pressure was evident throughout the match.Sarabjot, despite being a first-time Olympian, showed remarkable resilience and composure. He quickly regained his composure after a shaky start and contributed significantly to the team's success.The bronze medal is a testament to the hard work and dedication of both Bhaker and Sarabjot. It is also a significant achievement for India, as it marks the country's first medal in the mixed event at the ISSF World Cup.The victory has not only boosted the confidence of the Indian shooters but has also inspired other athletes at the Games. Indian shuttler Satwiksairaj Rankireddy expressed his admiration for Bhaker's performance, saying, "To win two medals, not only one, is not easy."Bhaker and Sarabjot's success is a reminder of the potential of Indian shooters and the bright future that lies ahead for the sport in the country.

As the scorching Indian summer subsides, India's elite shooters embark on a crucial stage of their Olympic preparations at the ISSF World Cup (Pistol/Rifle) in Munich, Germany, commencing on Saturday.Despite the grueling month-long trials in New Delhi and Bhopal, several shooters initially expressed reluctance to participate in the World Cup, citing fatigue and a desire to focus on their Olympic preparations. However, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) made participation mandatory and reportedly resolved the contentious issue of personal coaches, paving the way for the Paris-bound marksmen to gauge their progress.The issue of personal coaches had been a major point of contention, with shooters seeking greater flexibility in their training arrangements. While the matter appears to have been temporarily resolved, many personal coaches will not accompany their wards to Munich due to the late notice.The World Cup will also serve as a litmus test for shooters who have displaced the original Paris quota winners in the national squad through a series of Olympic Selection Trials (OSTs). The federation will be keen to assess the performances of these shooters, including rookie Army man Sandeep Singh, who has emerged as a surprise contender in the 10m air rifle event.The NRAI faces a dilemma in selecting the Paris-bound team, as it must strictly adhere to its Olympic selection policy based on the OSTs. However, several Olympic quota winners who lost out to their compatriots during the trials have appealed to be considered for Paris, creating an unprecedented situation.The NRAI is expected to announce the Olympic contingent during the World Cup, a process that has been delayed. This delay has hindered shooters' ability to fine-tune their preparations, including critical ammunition testing.The World Cup in Munich provides an opportunity for shooters to connect with European manufacturers and test the ammunition they intend to use at the Olympics. The event will commence with men's and women's 10m air rifle, with the finals scheduled for Monday.

Indian shooters continued their disappointing performance at the ISSF World Cup in Baku, with none of the skeet exponents in both men's and women's events qualifying for the finals.In the men's skeet event, Asian Games silver medalist Anant Jeet Singh Naruka finished 15th with a qualifying score of 120/125. Veteran marksman Mairaj Ahmad Khan, 48, managed only 105 and finished 76th among 80 shooters. Sheeraz Sheikh finished 54th with an aggregate of 115.In the women's skeet event, Raiza Dhillon finished 16th with an aggregate of 114/125, while Maheshwari Chauhan was 20th with 113 points. Ganemat Sekhon finished 25th with 111 points.The Indian trap shooters had also failed to impress earlier in the World Cup, with none of them making it to the finals. Vivaan Kapoor narrowly missed the six-shooter finals, finishing seventh, while Prithvi Tondaiman finished 24th and Bhowneesh Mendiratta finished 39th. Veteran Zoravar Singh Sandhu finished 52nd.Olympic quota winner Rajeshwari Kumari finished 23rd in trap with a qualification round score of just 108/125, while Shreyasi Singh managed only 107.The dismal performance of the Indian shooters in Baku is a cause for concern, as it comes just months before the Tokyo Olympics. The shooters will need to improve their form significantly if they want to challenge for medals at the Games.