In a display of exceptional marksmanship, Indian Navy shooter Kiran Ankush Jadhav emerged victorious in the prestigious men's 10m air rifle event at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions. The event, a key fixture in India's shooting calendar, is currently underway at the MP State Shooting Academy ranges in Bhopal.
A Nail-Biting Victory for the Navy Marksman
Kiran Jadhav's path to gold was forged in a tense and closely contested final. He showcased remarkable consistency and nerve to claim the top spot on the podium. His winning score was a formidable 250.2 points. The silver medal was secured by Haryana's talented shooter, Hriday Hazarika, who put up a strong fight and finished with a score of 249.4 points. The bronze medal was awarded to Punjab's Sartaj Singh Tiwana, who scored 228.0 points in the final.
The qualification round, which determined the top eight shooters for the final, was itself a high-stakes affair. Kiran Jadhav had stamped his authority early by topping the qualification with an excellent score of 632.2 points. This strong start undoubtedly gave him a psychological edge heading into the medal round.
Other Notable Performances and Team Events
Beyond the individual glory, the championship also crowned winners in the team events for the 10m air rifle discipline. The team from Punjab demonstrated superb collective skill to win the gold medal. The Indian Navy team, featuring the day's individual champion, put in a solid performance to bag the silver. The bronze medal in the team event went to Haryana.
In a parallel competition, the junior men's 10m air rifle event witnessed another stellar performance. The gold medal was won by Maharashtra's promising shooter, Rajkanwar Singh Sandhu. He was followed by Haryana's Parth Rakesh Makhija who took silver, and Punjab's Pratham Singh who secured the bronze.
Significance and Future Prospects
This victory at the National Shooting Championship is a significant milestone in Kiran Ankush Jadhav's career. The championship serves as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing talent for the national squad. Performances here are often considered by selectors for future international assignments, including the Asian Games, World Cups, and ultimately, the Olympics.
The success of shooters like Jadhav, Hazarika, and Sandhu highlights the depth of talent in Indian shooting. It underscores the effectiveness of the training systems within the armed forces and various state associations. Such competitions are vital for keeping the core group of shooters in peak competitive form and for fostering a healthy rivalry that pushes the boundaries of performance.
With the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions continuing in Bhopal, more thrilling contests and new champions are expected to emerge across various shooting disciplines in the coming days.
