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Ahead of the crucial preparatory phase for the Paris Olympics, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been actively addressing concerns raised by shooters regarding the involvement of personal coaches and participation in the upcoming ISSF Munich World Cup.Personal Coach Involvement:NRAI has held discussions with shooters to resolve issues related to the role of personal coaches in training plans. The association has emphasized the importance of personal coaches in providing moral and technical support, but has also stressed the need for a common training schedule to ensure proper monitoring of Olympic shooters.To address this, NRAI has proposed a collaborative approach where personal coaches, national coaches, the High Performance Director (HPD), and shooters work together to develop a mutually agreed-upon training program. This program will be followed in all training camps leading up to the Olympics.Munich World Cup Participation:Some shooters have expressed concerns about fatigue after the month-long Olympic trials and have requested to skip the Munich World Cup. NRAI has granted flexibility to shooters, allowing them to choose the events they wish to compete in or even participate only in the ranking round.However, NRAI has emphasized the importance of the Munich World Cup as it provides an opportunity to experience the Olympic format and environment without the pressure. The competition will also serve as a valuable benchmark for the Olympic squad, which is yet to be announced.Guidelines for Personal Coaches:NRAI has issued guidelines for personal coaches, outlining their roles and responsibilities during the training phase leading up to the Paris Olympics. These guidelines include restrictions on direct communication with shooters during events and entry into certain areas.While some personal coaches have objected to these guidelines, NRAI has invited them to attend NRAI camps to discuss the matter further. The association aims to be flexible and consider each case individually, but emphasizes the need for understanding and collaboration between coaches and shooters.

Sandeep Singh's journey to the cusp of Olympic glory is a testament to his unwavering determination and natural talent. Hailing from a humble background in Punjab, Sandeep's childhood was marked by financial struggles and hard labor. However, his dream of an army career kept him motivated.Fate intervened when Sandeep first held an INSAS rifle at the Indian army's training ground in Fatehgarh. His exceptional marksmanship, producing a 2mm grouping at 300 meters, astounded instructors who recognized his innate ability. Thus began his career as a sports shooter.Despite a stop-start career, Sandeep's recent triumph at the Olympic Selection Trials (OST) has brought him within reach of his Olympic dream. His stunning scores in the 10m air rifle event propelled him to the top of the standings, edging out Olympic quota winners Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh Patil.Sandeep's success has sparked controversy among his fellow shooters, who argue that his relative inexperience at the international level should disqualify him from Olympic selection. However, Sandeep remains confident in his abilities, citing his maturity and experience in pressure situations.His time spent guarding India's borders at the inhospitable Siachen Glacier has instilled in him a resilience that translates to his shooting performance. The challenges of breathing at high altitudes and the absence of enemy action forced him to focus on his inner strength.Despite a doping suspension and dismissal from the Army Marksmanship Unit, Sandeep's determination remained unwavering. With the support of his Commanding Officer, he resumed training and honed his skills. His consistent scores and match simulations in the lead-up to the OSTs paid off handsomely.Sandeep's Olympic aspirations extend beyond personal glory. He hopes to bring honor to his country and provide a better life for his family. His father, a laborer, has endured years of hardship, and Sandeep is eager to give him a comfortable retirement.

The Paris Olympics shooting selection trials witnessed a fierce battle for spots, with nine out of 16 quotas in rifle and pistol events changing hands. The onus was on quota winners to defend their places, but even world championship medallists like Rudrankksh Patil, Mehuli Ghosh, and Akhil Sheoran were swept aside.Rhythm Sangwan and Esha Singh swapped places in the 10m pistol and 25m pistol events, respectively. However, the biggest casualty was Rudrankksh, the 2022 world champion and only the second Indian air rifle shooter after Abhinav Bindra to win a world title. Mehuli and Sheoran, who had secured Olympic quotas with bronze medals at the world championships, also lost their places.The selection trials were held over four rounds in Delhi and Bhopal, with the shooters' three best scores considered. The bonus points for quota winners were reduced to level the playing field.The new policy was introduced after the debacle in Tokyo, where shooters who had performed well in the qualification cycle failed to deliver at the Olympics. The trials were designed to select the team based on current form.In men's 10m air rifle, Sandeep Singh emerged as the surprise topper, ahead of quota winner Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh. In women's 10m air rifle, Tokyo Olympian Elavenil came to the fore, while Asian Games medallist Ramita Jindal grabbed the second place. In men's rifle 3P, Aishwary Pratap Tomar topped and sealed his place, beside Swapnil Kusale.The final call to pick the team remains with the NRAI selection committee, but it will be difficult to make any changes considering that the team has been selected through a policy. Paris will put the new policy to test, and India will hope that the Worlds medallists are not missed too much.

Swapnil Kusale, a promising Indian shooter, has secured his spot at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a remarkable journey marked by both triumphs and setbacks. Kusale's Olympic quota was earned at the 2022 World Championships, where his fourth-place finish in the 50m rifle 3P event granted India its third quota.Despite facing health challenges, Kusale remained determined to hold onto his quota. A chronic tonsils issue plagued him, causing extreme pain, fever, and weakness. After identifying lactose intolerance as the trigger, Kusale eliminated milk products from his diet, significantly improving his condition.Kusale's career has been a testament to perseverance. After breaking through as a promising junior, he missed out on the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. However, he bounced back to win his first individual World Cup medal in 2022. He also contributed to India's bronze medal in the 50m rifle 3P team event at the Cairo Worlds and their gold medal at the Asian Games.Recognizing the importance of physical fitness, Kusale focused on strengthening his build and improving his overall health. This enhanced his shooting technique and helped him overcome mental setbacks. In the past, Kusale had narrowly missed out on medals due to faltering in the final shots. However, he has worked tirelessly to rectify this issue and stay present in high-pressure situations.With Paris in his sights, Kusale is eager to represent his country at the Olympics. He believes that this is a new beginning and a chance to fulfill his dream.

Amidst the emotional scenes of young shooters and their families at the National Shooting Centre in New Delhi, Ramita Jindal emerged as a beacon of hope and determination. The 20-year-old shooter from Kurukshetra, Haryana, secured a coveted quota for the 2024 Paris Olympics in the women's 10m air rifle event.Ramita's journey to Paris was far from straightforward. After three rounds of qualification, she found herself trailing behind Tilottama Sen, Nancy, and Elavenil Valarivan. However, in the crucial fourth and final round, Ramita displayed nerves of steel and shot an incredible 636.4, the highest score of the trials.This remarkable performance propelled Ramita to the top of the standings, earning her a place in the Indian contingent for the Paris Games. Her parents, who had accompanied her to Delhi, were overjoyed and praised her resilience.Ramita's success is a testament to her hard work and dedication. She trains at the Sports Science Centre in Chennai alongside Tokyo Olympian Elavenil and has consistently performed well at the international level. In 2022, she won a gold medal at the junior World Championships, and in 2023, she claimed bronze at the Asian Championships and Asian Games.Despite her achievements, Ramita remains humble and focused. She credits her ability to sustain good series and maintain a high standard of scores to her improved mental strength. She also admires Tokyo Olympian Anjum Moudgil and aspires to compete in both 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3P in the future.Ramita's qualification for the Paris Olympics is a significant moment for Indian shooting. It marks the first time that an Indian woman has secured an Olympic quota in the 10m air rifle event since 2012. Her success is an inspiration to young shooters across the country and a testament to the growing strength of Indian shooting.

Elavenil Valarivan's resurgence in shooting has reached new heights, as she emerged victorious in the Olympic selection trials with a remarkable score of 254.3. This triumph marks a significant milestone in her journey towards the Paris Olympics, where she aims to make her second Games appearance.Beyond the medals and accolades, Elavenil's true triumph lies in rediscovering her joy in shooting. After enduring the lows of the Tokyo Olympics, she has found renewed passion and a thirst for learning. "I'm just enjoying the sport right now," she says. "There are no longer days where I'm not happy shooting."This newfound joy has fueled her determination to improve and push her limits. She has embraced the challenges of the trials, overcoming a poor first qualification round and fending off competition from younger challengers. "I'm glad things are turning around and getting back to the way I want it to be," she says.Elavenil's journey has not been without its setbacks. The disappointment of missing out on the Asian Games team last year could have easily derailed her progress. However, she used it as motivation, winning the Rio World Cup gold and the National Championship in quick succession.Through it all, Elavenil has learned the importance of mental strength. "Tokyo has taught me to be mentally strong," she says. "That is playing a big part in my consistency and performance." She has also developed a strong support system, including a psychologist who has helped her navigate the emotional rollercoaster of elite sport.As she prepares for Paris, Elavenil is confident in her abilities and the lessons she has learned along the way. "There are going to be ups and downs," she says. "It is about how you accept the downs and push through it." With her newfound joy and determination, Elavenil Valarivan is poised to make a significant impact on the world stage once again.

Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker has emerged as the most successful athlete in the Olympic Selection Trials (OST) Rifle/Pistol, winning four titles across two events. On the concluding day of the trials in Bhopal, Bhaker triumphed in the women's 10m air pistol OST T4 match, adding to her previous victory in the women's 25m sports pistol.Bhaker's dominance in the 10m air pistol event was evident as she shot 240.8 in the final, leaving Hangzhou Asian Games champion Palak a distant 4.4 points behind in second place. Rhythm Sangwan secured the third spot.In the women's 10m air rifle OST T4, Elavenil Valarivan set a new benchmark by scoring 254.3, surpassing the current world record of 254.0 held by China's Han Jiayu. Ramita and Mehuli Ghosh finished second and third, respectively.Divyansh Panwar claimed the men's air rifle OST T4 title with a score of 253.3, just 0.4 below his own world record. Arjun Babuta and Rudrankksh Patil took the second and third spots.Ravinder Singh emerged victorious in the men's 10m air pistol OST T4 final with a score of 242.2. Varun Tomar and Sarabjot Singh finished second and third, respectively.The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) conducted a series of four trials in Delhi and Bhopal to select the squad for the Paris Olympics. The top-three scores in the trials, along with Paris Olympics quota bonus points, will determine the Indian squad for the Summer Games.Indian shooters will next compete in the ISSF World Cup Rifle/Pistol in Munich from May 31 to June 08.

Sarabjot Singh, the 22-year-old shooting prodigy from Ambala, has set his sights firmly on the Paris Olympics. Despite his recent success at the Bhopal World Cup, where he won the individual 10m air pistol gold, Sarabjot remains focused on his ultimate goal: an Olympic medal."I like to celebrate only when I do things I've actually dreamt of," he said. "For me, it is not about winning World Cup medals, it is about winning the Olympic gold."Sarabjot's unwavering determination stems from years of visualization and a deep-seated passion for shooting. "Ek aag hoti hai bande ke andar (a fire burns inside one), that I want to do this," he said.His consistency and front sight focus, honed through tratak meditation, have been instrumental in his success. "It has done wonders for my front sight," he said. "I focus a lot on yoga and meditation."Despite his love for speed and cars, shooting remains Sarabjot's primary passion. "Shooting came later," he said. "I had a keen interest for racing and cars from a young age."However, Sarabjot's journey has not been without its challenges. Last year, a nagging shoulder issue threatened to derail his progress. "That was a difficult phase, the lowest point of my career so far," he said.Undeterred, Sarabjot persevered, skipping tournaments and undergoing rehabilitation. "My goal was to be at the Paris Olympics and win a medal there," he said. "That is what I had visualized."With the Paris quota secured, Sarabjot is now focused on fine-tuning his skills and preparing for the biggest stage of all. "Pressure is built from outside," he said. "In my mind, I had no pressure. I wasn't even thinking that I have to do well in these trials and stuff like that."Sarabjot's unwavering belief in himself and his unwavering pursuit of excellence make him a formidable contender for Olympic glory.

Sift Kaur Samra and Niraj Kumar emerged victorious in the women's and men's 50m rifle 3 positions competitions, respectively, on the penultimate day of the Olympic Selection Trial (OST) 3 and 4 in Bhopal.Sift shot 461.3 in the women's 3P trial 4 final, edging out Nischal by a point. Ashi Chouksey finished third with 448.1. Shriyanka Sadangi and Anjum Moudgil placed fourth and fifth, respectively.In the men's 3P, Niraj finished on top with a score of 462.9, a significant 1.7 points ahead of second-placed Chain Singh. Aishwary Tomar secured third place with 449.8, while Swapnil Kusale and Akhil Sheoran finished fourth and fifth, respectively.These results confirmed Sift as the top finisher in women's 3P, considering the best three scores out of the four trials. Anjum Moudgil also secured her position as the second-best shooter among the five qualified shooters. In the men's 3P, Aishwary Tomar and Swapnil Kusale finished 1-2 after the completion of four trial matches.The day also witnessed the qualification rounds of the men's and women's 10m air rifle and air pistol trial 4. Sri Karthik Sabari Raj topped the men's air rifle with a score of 631.6, while Ramita Jindal shone in the women's air rifle, posting a remarkable 636.4, just 0.1 points more than the existing world record set by China's Han Jiayu.Ramita's performance propelled her to second place in the overall calculations, just 0.1 points behind Olympian Elavenil Valarivan. Mehuli Ghosh (633.1) was second, while Nancy (630.6) and Tilottama Sen (628.8) placed fourth and fifth, respectively.In the men's air rifle, the results had no impact on the standings as Sandeep Singh (fourth with 628.3) and Arjun Babuta (fifth with 624.7) maintained their top two positions.Manu Bhaker confidently topped the women's 10m air pistol standings, finishing on top of the trial 4 qualification round with a score of 581. Surbhi Rao (577) was second, while Palak (572) was third. Rhythm Sangwan and Esha Singh finished fourth and fifth, respectively.In the men's air pistol, Sarabjot Singh shot 584 to top the trial 4 qualifications, while Arjun Singh Cheema was second with 583. Varun Tomar (577), Ravinder Singh (576), and Naveen (574) finished third, fourth, and fifth, respectively.These results in air pistol indicate that Manu and Rhythm are currently ranked 1-2 in the women's air pistol, while Sarabjot and Arjun hold the top two slots in the men's event.