Indian shooting team delivered its best performance at the Paris Olympics, bringing home three medals and making a strong statement on the global stage. However, beneath these successes lies a series of near misses that could have turned India’s impressive showing into a historic haul. Several Indian shooters came heartbreakingly close to winning medals or making it to the finals, only to fall short by the narrowest of margins.
Arjun Babuta: A Fraction Away from the Podium
Arjun Babuta’s journey in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle was a rollercoaster of emotions. The lead in the competition changed hands multiple times, with Arjun staying within striking distance of the top spot. After the 12th shot, he was in second place, just 0.1 point behind China’s Sheng Lihao, who eventually secured gold. Arjun’s stellar performance saw him in contention for a medal, but crucial errors—a 9.9 and 9.5 in the final stages—pushed him to 4th place, just missing out on the podium. His near-miss highlights the fine line between triumph and disappointment in Olympic shooting.
Ramita Jindal: One Shot Short of Glory
Ramita Jindal, competing in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle, also came agonizingly close to a podium finish. After a solid performance throughout the qualification and finals, Ramita was poised to push for a higher spot. However, a 9.7 on her 10th shot in the finals saw her drop in the rankings, eventually finishing 7th. This one shot underscored how a single moment of lapse could derail even the most promising runs in high-stakes competitions.
Manu Bhaker: The Missed Opportunity for a Third Medal
Manu Bhaker, who had already clinched two medals at the Paris Olympics, came tantalizingly close to securing a third in the Women’s 25m Pistol. After a strong start in the finals, Manu found herself in a shoot-off to avoid elimination and secure a place on the podium. Despite her best efforts, Manu lost the shoot-off and finished 4th.
Sarabjot Singh: The Razor-Thin Margins of Olympic Shooting
In the Men’s 10m Air Pistol, Sarabjot Singh’s performance vividly illustrated the minuscule margins that separate victory from defeat. With a total score of 577, Sarabjot tied with Germany’s Robin Walter but missed a finals spot by the slimmest of margins due to one less inner 10. His bittersweet performance featured a perfect 100 in the 4th series, followed by a 93 in the subsequent round, ultimately costing him a place in the finals. However, Sarabjot’s resilience shone through as he bounced back strongly to win bronze in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event alongside his teammate Manu Bhaker.
Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala: Disappointing Near Misses
Vijayveer Sidhu and Anish Bhanwala were on the cusp of breaking into the finals in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, but the last series proved to be their undoing. Both shooters started strong, each scoring 293 during Stage 1 of qualification. However, the intense pressure of the last series took its toll. Vijayveer, after a promising start, shot a shaky 92 in his last series, which saw him finish 9th, just outside the qualification for the finals. Anish, who was equally impressive in the earlier stages, couldn’t maintain his momentum and ended up with a 94 in his last series, placing 13th overall. These narrow misses emphasize the intense competition and the minuscule margins that define success at the Olympics.
Elavenil Valarivan: A Heartbreaking Exit
Elavenil Valarivan’s performance in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle mirrored the challenges faced by her teammates. Consistently performing well throughout the qualification rounds, Elavenil was in a strong position to qualify for the finals. However, a 9.8 in her penultimate shot caused her to slip to 10th place, just missing the cut for the finals. Her experience highlights the immense pressure shooters face and how even the slightest lapse can have significant consequences.
Skeet Mixed Team: So Close Yet So Far
Skeet Mixed Team, comprising Maheshwari Chauhan and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka, came agonizingly close to securing a medal. The duo delivered a commendable performance throughout the competition, advancing to the bronze medal match. Anant and Maheshwari needed the Chinese duo, Jianlin Lyu and Yiting Jiang, to miss at least one target in the final series to force a shoot-off. Unfortunately, neither of the Chinese shooters faltered. India’s hopes for a fourth medal were dashed as they lost the shoot-off 44-43 on the final day of the shooting competition.
The Indian shooting team’s performance at the Paris Olympics was a powerful statement of the nation’s growing prowess on the global stage. While the three medals they brought home are a testament to their skill and determination, the near misses reveal the razor-thin margins that define success in Olympic shooting. These close calls, filled with moments of brilliance and heartbreak, underscore the intense pressure and fine line between triumph and disappointment that elite shooters navigate. Despite the setbacks, the resilience and determination displayed by these athletes offer a promising glimpse into the future of Indian shooting, as they continue to push the boundaries and aim for greater heights in the years to come.