India’s Women Air Pistol Shooters Face Strong Qualification Field at Final Olympic Qualifier in Rio

New Delhi, April 12 (IANS) – India’s women 10m air pistol shooters – Palak Gulia, Surbhi Rao, and Sainyam, are set to face a tough challenge in the quest for a quota place for the Paris Olympics at the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Rifle/Pistol in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil on Saturday. The event will feature a 52-strong field, with the top shooters vying for a chance to compete at the prestigious games.

The qualification results will be crucial as shooters will have to wait until the next day for the finals, a new format that mirrors the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics. This change requires adaptability and mental strength from the participants, as the traditional same-day finals practice will no longer be followed. The NRAI has informed about this change, adding an extra layer of challenge for the Indian shooters.

Foreign coach Munkhbayar Dorsjuren expressed confidence in the team’s preparation, stating, “Our shooters have trained hard and are confident going into the competition tomorrow. It is a tough challenge, but we are sure if we put our best foot forward, we will achieve our goal.” With strong competition expected from international shooters like Veronika Major, Sandra Reitz, and others, the Indian team will need to be at their best to secure a coveted Olympic quota place.