Raiza Dhillon, Gurjoat Khangura Clinch Skeet Mixed Team Bronze Medal

In a spectacular display of skill and determination, the Indian shooting duo Raiza Dhillon and Gurjoat Singh Khangura clinched the bronze medal in the mixed skeet team event at the Asian Shotgun Championships 2024 in Kuwait City. The event marked a triumphant conclusion for India, securing a total of one gold, three silvers, and four bronze medals on the closing day.

Victory in the Bronze Medal Match

Facing off against Kuwait’s Abdullah Al-Rashidi and Eman Al-Shamaa, the Indian pair emerged victorious with a scoreline of 41-39 in the intense bronze medal match. This win added another feather to India’s cap and showcased the country’s prowess in the sport of shooting.

Gold Glory for China, Other Podium Finishes

The gold medal in the mixed skeet team event was claimed by the People’s Republic of China, defeating Kazakhstan with a score of 45-43. Additionally, Bahrain secured the second bronze medal by triumphing over Qatar with a close score of 39-38.

Qualification Round Drama

In the qualification round, India finished in the seventh position with a score of 138, earning a spot in the final. Despite finishing outside the top six, a unique situation unfolded as Kazakhstan had two teams in the top six, allowing only one team to progress to the medal round. This turn of events favored India’s entry into the finals.

Olympic Quotas and Achievements

The Asian Shotgun Championships, held from January 14 to 21, served as a crucial qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics for Indian shooters participating in trap and skeet events. Indian shooters showcased their mettle by securing a total of eight medals in Kuwait, along with two coveted Olympic quotas for the country.

Paris 2024 Olympic Quotas

Anantjeet Singh Naruka and Raiza Dhillon, both accomplished shooters, secured Paris 2024 Olympic quotas for India. Naruka, an Asian Games silver medallist, earned a silver medal in the men’s skeet event, while Dhillon secured a Paris 2024 Olympic quota with a silver in the women’s skeet event. These achievements marked India’s first quotas in the men’s and women’s skeet events for the upcoming Olympics, elevating India’s total Olympic quotas in shooting to an impressive 19.

Additional Medalists

Maheshwari Chauhan contributed to India’s medal tally by winning the bronze medal in the women’s skeet event. Similarly, Lakshay Sheoran claimed the bronze medal in the men’s trap category. Despite their outstanding performances, Chauhan and Sheoran were unable to secure Olympic quotas for India.

Women’s Skeet Team’s Golden Triumph

The women’s skeet team brought glory to India by securing the only gold medal at the Asian Shotgun Championships 2024. This victory added a touch of brilliance to India’s overall performance in Kuwait.

The Larger Picture

The success at the Asian Shotgun Championships adds to India’s growing prominence in the realm of shooting sports. With 26 medals and four Olympic quotas from the recent Asian Championships for rifle and pistol shooters in Jakarta, India’s shooting contingent is shaping up to be a formidable force on the international stage. As the journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics continues, the Indian shooting fraternity can take pride in its achievements and look forward to scaling greater heights in the world of competitive shooting.