The 5th National Para Shooting Championship 2024, held from November 11th to 16th in Balewadi, Pune, brought together 298 para shooters from 22 states, showcasing incredible skill and determination. Organized by the Para Target Shooting Association, Pune, and supported by the STC Para Shooting and the Paralympic Committee of India, the event was a testament to the growing strength of para shooting in India.
Among the top performances, Avani Lekhara, the two-time Paralympic gold medalist, set a new national record with a score of 629.3 in the Women’s 10m Air Rifle, further cementing her legacy as one of India’s leading para shooters.
Paris Paralympic bronze medalist Mona Agarwal triumphed in both the Women’s 10m Air Rifle and 10m Air Rifle Prone, winning gold in each and reinforcing her status as one of the top para shooters in the country.
Paris Paralympian Rudransh Khandelwal clinched gold in the Men’s 10m Air Pistol, 50m Pistol Mixed, and 10m Air Pistol Mixed, demonstrating his exceptional skills.
In a remarkable display of talent, 11-year-old Kavin Kenglankar set a national record with a score of 625.4 in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle, marking a major milestone for the young athlete and signaling a bright future for India’s para shooting program.
Rajasthan emerged as the standout state, leading the medal tally with 34 medals, including 16 golds, 11 silvers, and 7 bronzes. Maharashtra and Delhi also delivered strong performances, securing 6 and 7 medals respectively.
A total of 105 medals were awarded across individual and team events, underscoring the high level of competition and the growth of para shooting in India. This championship not only showcased the achievements of seasoned athletes but also highlighted the potential of emerging talents like Kavin Kenglankar, ensuring that the future of para shooting in India is bright.
Reflecting on the progress of the sport, India’s chief coach Jai Prakash Nautiyal, shared, “I’m often asked what it feels like to be considered the father of para shooting in India. I’m both delighted and grateful to witness the year-on-year increase in participation and competition at the National Championship.”
The 5th National Para Shooting Championship 2024 was a resounding success, reaffirming India’s commitment to nurturing para athletes and elevating their performance on the global stage. As the nation moves forward from the sucess at the Paris Paralympic Games, the championship results offer a glimpse into India’s promising future in para shooting.