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Rudransh Khandelwal, a 17-year-old pistol marksman, is determined to bring glory to India at the upcoming Paris Paralympics. Despite losing his left leg in a freak accident at the age of eight, Rudransh has overcome adversity to become the world No. 1 in 50m pistol (SH1).To ensure his success, Rudransh leaves nothing to chance. He carries a spare pistol and a tool-kit for his prosthetic leg, anticipating any potential malfunctions or setbacks. This meticulous preparation stems from witnessing ace shooter Manu Bhaker's pistol malfunction during the Tokyo Olympics."I prepare myself for every eventuality in competition, including a delayed match, a shot getting canceled, or any other eventuality," said Rudransh. "So, if at all an adverse situation arises, I will be ready to handle it."Another lesson Rudransh learned was the importance of being prepared for prosthetic leg issues. Just 15 minutes before a domestic competition, his prosthetic leg broke. "Now I keep a tool-kit to quickly repair it," he said.Rudransh's journey to the top has been marked by perseverance and support. After his accident, his mother sought ways to prevent him from falling into depression. She introduced him to shooting, and with the guidance of his coach, Sumit Rathi, Rudransh gradually increased his training time from 2-3 hours to 7-8 hours.Despite initial setbacks, Rudransh's determination paid off. In 2022, he switched to 50m pistol and achieved remarkable success. He won four gold medals with three world records at his second World Cup, followed by a Paralympic Games quota at the World Championship and two silver medals at the Asian Para Games.As he prepares for the Paralympics, Rudransh remains confident in his abilities. "There is no pressure on me as I have full confidence in the process and I know that I will do our best," he said.

Indian shooting contingent is poised to surpass its Tokyo Paralympics medal tally at the upcoming Paris Games, according to pistol marksman Manish Narwal. The team's intense training regimen has prepared them for success, he said.A 10-member shooting contingent, including rifle exponent Avani Lekhara, Mona Agarwal, and Narwal, will compete at the Chateauroux Centre near Paris from August 30. India had won two gold, a silver, and two bronze medals at the Tokyo Paralympics."Our preparations have been intense, and we are eager to give our best shot in Paris. We aim to surpass our previous performance and bring more medals home," said Narwal, who won the 50m pistol (SH1) gold in Tokyo and will be competing in 10m air pistol at the Paris Games.Besides Narwal, Avani, and Mona, the other members of the shooting contingent are Amir Ahmad Bhat, Rudransh Khandelwal, Rubina Francis, Swaroop Unahalkar, Sidhartha Babu, Shriharsha Devaraddi, and Nihal Singh.The spotlight will be on reigning Paralympic champion Avani, who made history by becoming the first woman shooter from India to win two medals in Tokyo. The Jaipur shooter, then 19, had clinched gold in 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3-positions (SH1). She will look to replicate her gold medal-winning performances in Paris.The Paralympic Committee is expecting a record-breaking 25-plus medals in Paris, and the performance of the shooting team will have a great impact on the overall tally.

Sarabjot Singh, the Indian shooter who made history with Manu Bhaker by winning India's first-ever Olympic medal in a mixed shooting event, has revealed the challenges and inspirations behind their success.Despite limited training time together, Bhaker and Sarabjot managed to secure a bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event at the Paris Games. Sarabjot attributed their success to their unwavering determination and brief but focused training sessions."Our training schedules were different, but we made the most of the 30-minute mixed session," said Sarabjot. "We kept our conversations brief, focusing on giving our best and having some friendly banter."Sarabjot also shared his admiration for Turkish shooting icon Yusuf Dikec, who has been his inspiration since 2011. "I've been watching his videos for years," said Sarabjot. "His perfection is unmatched. If I could, I'd ask him what his secret is."To overcome setbacks in his journey, Sarabjot turned to meditation and a yogic technique called Trataka. "I would stare at a candle flame for three minutes, then visualize it for two minutes," he explained. "It helped me improve my focus and visualization, which is crucial in shooting."Sarabjot's pistol, engraved with "SSINGH30," holds special significance. "I got it engraved after achieving my personal best at the 2022 Asian Games," he said. "The date, September 30, marked a significant milestone in my career."Looking ahead, Sarabjot has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Games. "I want to change the color of my medal," he said, referring to his bronze. "I'm determined to bring home a gold."

Avani Lekhara's journey to becoming a Paralympic shooting champion is a testament to her resilience and determination. After a car accident left her paralyzed at the age of 11, Avani found solace in shooting, a sport that gave her a sense of purpose and accomplishment.With the support of her parents, Avani began practicing shooting in 2015. Within six years, she had become a national champion and was representing India at the Tokyo Paralympics. In Tokyo, Avani made history by winning India's first medals in shooting at the Paralympics, a gold in the 10m air rifle and a bronze in the 50m rifle 3-positions.Avani's success has brought with it expectations, but she remains focused on her process and technique. She believes that by controlling the controllable and focusing on her training, she can achieve her goals.Avani's preparations for the Paris Paralympics have been aided by a quick recovery from gallbladder surgery. She is also benefiting from a healthy rivalry with upcoming shooter Mona Agarwal, who won gold at the World Cup in Delhi.Avani credits her personal coach, Chandra Shekhar, for her success. She says that he has been an integral part of her journey, helping her to focus on her basics and improve her technique.With her determination, resilience, and the support of her coach and family, Avani is poised to make history once again at the Paris Paralympics.

Manu Bhaker, the celebrated Indian shooter who made history at the Paris Olympics by becoming the first Indian to win two medals in the same Games, has shared a poignant throwback picture that captures her humble beginnings in the sport. The image, posted on social media, shows a young Manu practicing shooting with her schoolmates.Fast forward to today, Manu stands as one of India's most decorated Olympians, having etched her name in the annals of sporting history. Her journey to the pinnacle of success has been marked by unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of excellence.Reflecting on her journey, Manu spoke candidly about the setbacks she faced, particularly after her disappointing performance at the Tokyo Olympics. "It was very difficult for me to be confident again," she admitted. "But I know the taste of losing and then winning. It's the beauty of sports."Manu emphasized the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one's goals. "To achieve the goal, we must put in a lot of hard work and effort," she said. "It doesn't always start with aiming for something big, you also have to work to achieve it. If you can dream big, you can achieve big."Beyond her sporting achievements, Manu also stressed the significance of embracing one's cultural heritage. "I have travelled almost half of the world," she said. "I have seen different kinds of people and cultures, their backgrounds and struggles. We should never be ashamed of where we come from."Manu's journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and anyone who dares to dream big. Her message of resilience, hard work, and cultural pride resonates with all who seek to achieve greatness in their chosen fields.

Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has etched her name in the annals of Indian sports history by becoming the first athlete from independent India to win two individual medals in a single edition of the Olympics. At the recently concluded Paris Olympics 2024, Bhaker showcased her exceptional talent and determination, securing a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event and another bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event alongside Sarabjot Singh.Bhaker's remarkable achievement has been met with widespread acclaim and recognition. Upon her return to India, she was felicitated at a ceremony where she was seen grooving to the popular song "Kala Chashma" with school children, a video of which has gone viral on social media.Prime Minister Narendra Modi also met with the Indian contingent that returned from Paris with six medals, including Bhaker's historic haul. Bhaker proudly displayed the pistol that brought her two bronze medals to the Prime Minister, who expressed his admiration for her accomplishments.The Indian men's hockey team, which won its second consecutive bronze at the Paris Games, also presented the Prime Minister with a stick signed by all the players. The team, led by captain Harmanpreet Singh, posed with the Prime Minister, their bronze medals gleaming around their necks.Prime Minister Modi praised the efforts of the Indian contingent, stating that every player who participated in the Paris Olympics is a champion. He emphasized the government's commitment to supporting sports and ensuring the development of top-quality sporting infrastructure in India.Bhaker's historic achievement is a testament to her hard work, dedication, and unwavering spirit. Her success has not only brought glory to India but has also inspired countless young athletes to pursue their dreams in sports.

Manu Bhaker, India's shooting sensation who won two bronze medals at the Paris Olympics 2024, is making the most of her time off by indulging in her hobbies and spending quality time with her family.During the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, Bhaker shared glimpses of her celebrations on social media. She posted a picture with her brother, symbolizing the traditional ritual of siblings blessing each other with gifts.In another Instagram story, Bhaker showcased her culinary skills, hilariously captioning it as "making the right use of my holidays with classes from my mother."Beyond her shooting prowess, Bhaker has revealed her passion for martial arts. She plans to dedicate her time off to practicing this discipline, which she pursued as a teenager before transitioning to shooting."Now, I have some time off and I can probably do that (martial arts) again," Bhaker told PTI. "I was not able to get that kind of time to invest myself into that. Finally, I can take time off for my hobbies, and I have many, many hobbies."Bhaker's hobbies extend beyond martial arts to include horse riding, skating, fitness, and dance. She is particularly fond of Bharatnatyam, a classical Indian dance form."I was training in France, I wasn't able to get time, not able to cope up with the (Bharatnatyam) classes," said Bhaker, whose trainer is from Tamil Nadu.Bhaker's diverse interests and dedication to her hobbies demonstrate her well-rounded personality and her commitment to personal growth beyond her sporting achievements.

Manu Bhaker and Jaspal Rana, a formidable duo in Indian shooting, have forged an unbreakable bond that has propelled them to Olympic glory. Bhaker, a 22-year-old shooting prodigy, describes Rana as a father figure who provides unwavering support and protection.Rana, a strict disciplinarian, believes his role extends beyond coaching. He aims to shield Bhaker from external pressures and even from herself. "My work is to protect her," he explains. "Sometimes, it means pushing her limits and reminding her of her capabilities."Bhaker's journey has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. The Tokyo Olympics proved to be a disaster, with a malfunctioning weapon and disappointing performances. However, Rana's unwavering belief in her abilities helped her overcome the heartbreak."Tokyo taught me a lot," Bhaker reflects. "It made me realize the importance of preparation and mental health." Rana's guidance played a crucial role in her recovery, instilling in her a renewed determination to succeed.Despite her shooting prowess, Bhaker also values education. She scored exceptionally well in her 12th standard exams and pursued a degree at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi University. Rana strongly encourages his wards to prioritize education, believing it provides a safety net for their future.Bhaker's academic achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes. She emphasizes the importance of balancing sports and education, as it fosters a well-rounded development.Rana's unwavering support extends beyond shooting. He has encouraged Bhaker to pursue a course at the prestigious Nalanda University, a testament to his belief in her intellectual capabilities.The bond between Bhaker and Rana is a testament to the power of mentorship and the transformative impact it can have on an athlete's career. Together, they have overcome adversity and achieved Olympic success, setting an example for future generations of shooters.

Manu Bhaker's coach, Jaspal Rana, has vehemently criticized the National Rifle Association of India's (NRAI) "ever-changing" Olympic selection policy. Rana believes that the lack of consistency has hindered the progress of promising shooters and will continue to do so if not addressed.Rana, a three-time Asiad gold medalist, questioned the federation's tendency to make last-minute policy changes and its refusal to acknowledge the role of personal coaches. He cited the examples of Saurabh Chaudhary and Jitu Rai, who faded away after showing great promise."The selection policy changes every six months," Rana said. "We need a clear and consistent policy that we can stick to."Rana also expressed concern about the lack of protection for Olympic and world medalists. He noted that Bhaker, despite winning two medals in Paris, will have to fight for a place in the national squad upon her return from a break."We don't see Olympic medalists after one or two Olympics because there is no system to protect them," Rana said. "They should be allowed to compete in every trial."Rana emphasized the importance of collaboration between personal and national coaches. He believes that one person should take the lead, but there should be mutual understanding.Bhaker thanked Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president PT Usha for ensuring that Rana could assist her in Paris. She said that Usha's support was crucial in her success.Rana's criticism highlights the need for a stable and transparent selection policy that supports the development of shooters and ensures their long-term success.