In an impressive feat at the Baku World Championships, Indian shooter Sift Kaur Samra secured her place for the upcoming Paris Olympics. This makes her the sixth Indian shooter to win an Olympic quota. Her commendable performance in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event earned her a fifth-place finish.
This achievement means that India has now secured its fifth quota in the rifle category, with another coming from the shotgun event. During her crucial final standing shot, Sift scored a 10.3. Despite this effort, she faced elimination.
Demonstrating consistent performance, Sift scored a total of 589, mirroring her fifth position in the qualification round. Breaking down her scores, the 21-year-old marksman registered 192 in the Kneeling position, 199 in Prone, and 198 in Standing.
As the final round approached the Standing (Elimination) stage, the odds seemed stacked against Sift making it past the first elimination. However, displaying exceptional skill and composure, she shot a series of high 10s in the last position. This stellar performance ensured her finish was superior to notable competitors including Eunseo Lee from Korea, Norway's Jenny Stene, and Poland's Natalia Kochanska.
The Baku World Championships have been a fruitful event for India, with other shooters also marking their territory. Notably, Mehuli Ghosh and Akhil Sheoran have also successfully clinched a quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics. These achievements spotlight the promising prospects for the Indian shooting contingent as they gear up for the much-anticipated Olympic event in Paris.
Meanwhile, Punjab Sports Minister Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer congratulated shooter Sift Kaur Samra for qualifying for Paris Olympic Games scheduled next year.
Meet Hayer said that in the new sports policy made on the instructions of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, where the players are to be honoured for their achievements at the international level, Emphasis is laid on taking it to the international stage. Meet Hayer attributed Sift Kaur Samra's achievement to her hard work and determination and congratulated her parents and coach.
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