The Asian Games 2023 has witnessed a historic triumph for India, especially in the realm of shooting. Surpassing their previous best at the 2006 Doha Asian Games, the Indian shooting squad clinched an unprecedented 17 medals, etching a golden mark in the annals of the sport.
This astounding success comes on the heels of a disappointing run at the Tokyo Olympics where Indian shooters couldn't secure any medals. While the team found success in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia with a haul of nine medals, the setback in Tokyo necessitated a strategic shift – leading to a youthful squad selection for the Hangzhou games.
The youthful brigade didn't disappoint. In Hangzhou, China, India's shooters garnered an outstanding 17 medals, featuring six golds, highlighting their dedication, skill, and commitment.
Teen sensations Palak Gulia and Esha Singh took center stage. At just 17, Palak set a new Asian Games record with a score of 242.1 in the 10m air pistol women's individual final, bagging gold. Esha, a year her senior, followed suit with a commendable score of 239.7, earning silver.
The men's squad showcased equal brilliance. Sarabjot Singh, Arjun Singh Cheema, and Shiva Narwal outperformed the Chinese team, clinching gold in the men's 10m air pistol team event. Moreover, renowned shooter Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, alongside Youth Olympic Games medalists Manu Bhaker and Mehuli Ghosh, added to India's flourishing medal count.
India's prowess wasn't confined to individual events. The squad secured gold in the men's 50m air rifle 3P team event and silver in the 10m air pistol women's team event.
With a couple of days still left for shooting events, India eyes further additions to its record medal tally.
The Asian Games 2023 has undoubtedly opened a glorious chapter for Indian shooting. The young marksmen and markswomen have not just uplifted national spirits but have set towering standards for successors. Their feats echo the bright prospects and immense potential of Indian shooting, hinting at a luminous future for the sport in the nation.
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