Simran Saini reports on India’s seventh shooting quota secured by Rajeshwari Kumari’s in 2024 Paris Olympics..
India’s sports landscape shines brighter with each triumph, and Rajeshwari Kumari’s recent feat is nothing short of historic. Hailing from the realm of trap shooting, she has etched her name in the annals of Indian sporting history by securing India’s seventh shooting quota for the much-anticipated 2024 Paris Olympics. Her remarkable journey unfolded at the ISSF World Championships, where she showcased her prowess and determination on a global stage.
A Paradigm Shift in Indian Shooting In a significant stride, Rajeshwari Kumari became the second Indian shooter ever to secure an Olympic quota in the Women’s Trap event. Her extraordinary achievement unfolded in Baku, Azerbaijan, during the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Championship . Setting an exceptional national record score of 120 in the qualification round, she propelled herself to the forefront. The final, a nerve-wracking six-woman, 50-shot encounter, saw her claim 19 hits from the first 30 targets. With this masterful performance, she solidified India’s seventh quota place for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Triumph Amidst Stiff Competition The journey to the podium is never an easy one, especially in an arena as fiercely competitive as international shooting. Rajeshwari Kumari’s achievement stood tall amidst formidable opponents. Lin Yi Chun of Chinese Taipei clinched gold with 40 hits, narrowly edging out Italy’s Jessica Rossi, a three-time world champion and the 2012 London Olympic Games winner. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) conveyed this exhilarating news in a release, emphasizing Rajeshwari’s exceptional accomplishment.
A Dream Realized, a Legacy Continued Rajeshwari Kumari’s elation at her achievement was palpable. Her words encapsulated the magnitude of her accomplishment: “I am feeling great. It’s unbelievable. It’s finally done. It’s done for the country. I mean I wish I could win a medal but this is great. Paris,” she exclaimed with an infectious smile. As the second Indian shooter to earn an Olympic quota in Women’s Trap, she not only honored her own journey but also carried forward her family’s legacy.
Pride in Every Shot Renowned sports administrator and former Olympian Randhir Singh, currently serving as the interim President of the Olympic Council of Asia, expressed his pride and joy for Rajeshwari Kumari’s achievement. He noted, “It is certainly a proud day for me and the family.” He reflected on her journey, from qualifying for the Asian Games to securing an Olympic quota, underscoring the significance of her accomplishment.
Adding to India’s Medal Tally Rajeshwari Kumari’s success is part of a larger narrative of India’s excellence in shooting. The Men’s 25m Center-Fire Pistol team competition saw India clinching bronze. Rajendra Bagul, Akshay Jain, and Gaurav Chaudhary collectively tallied 1718, securing a spot on the podium. With five gold and five bronze medals, India occupies a commendable third place in the medal tally, trailing only behind China and the United States.
A Testament to Dedication and Triumph Rajeshwari Kumari’s journey from the shooting range to the global Olympic stage is a testament to her tireless dedication and unwavering commitment to her sport. Her resounding success at the ISSF World Championships has not only earned her a coveted spot in the Paris Olympics but has also stirred a sense of pride among her fellow countrymen. With her triumphant spirit and unyielding drive, Rajeshwari Kumari embodies the indomitable spirit of Indian sports. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to her for this incredible and historic accomplishment!