Indian para-shooter Rudransh Khandelwal made headlines by setting a new world record in the P4 Mixed 50m pistol SH1 category at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup. The 16-year-old talented shooter scored an impressive 231.1 in the final, securing the gold medal. Nihal Singh, another Indian para-shooter, claimed the silver medal with a score of 222.2.
Rudransh’s remarkable performance broke the previous world record set by Khel Ratna awardee Manish Narwal, who won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games. With this feat, Rudransh solidified his position as one of the emerging stars in para-shooting.
During the qualification round, Nihal had led the way with a commanding score of 536, while Rudransh stood at fifth place with 529 points. Four Indian shooters, including Francis Rubina and Rahul Jakhar, advanced to the eight-shooter final. Rubina finished fifth with 158.5 points, while Jakhar claimed the sixth position with a score of 142.
India has been experiencing a wave of success in para-shooting. Avani Lekhara, the gold medallist at the Tokyo Paralympics, participated in the R3 Mixed 10m air rifle prone SH1 event at the WSPS World Cup. Unfortunately, she finished sixth with a score of 168. However, Avani had already secured a gold medal in the R2 10M Air Rifle SH1 category earlier in the competition.
Swaroop Unhalkar added to India’s tally by winning a gold medal in the men’s 10m air rifle standing SH1 event. Scoring 245.9 points, Swaroop narrowly defeated his Hungarian competitor Csaba Rescsik by a margin of 0.9 points. This victory further showcases India’s dominance in the sport.
The performances of these para-shooters not only bring glory to the nation but also inspire aspiring athletes with disabilities to pursue their dreams in shooting sports. Their achievements demonstrate that determination, skill, and resilience can overcome any obstacles.
Para-shooting is gaining recognition and support worldwide. The inclusion of para-shooting in prestigious events like the WSPS World Cup and the Paralympic Games highlights the commitment towards promoting inclusivity and equality in sports. These platforms provide para-athletes the opportunity to showcase their abilities and compete at the highest level.
The success of Rudransh Khandelwal, Nihal Singh, Avani Lekhara, and Swaroop Unhalkar is a testament to their dedication and hard work. The achievements of these para-shooters will undoubtedly encourage the growth of para-sports in India and inspire a new generation of athletes to take up shooting.
As India continues to excel in para-shooting, it is crucial to provide adequate support and resources to nurture and develop the talents of these athletes. By investing in training facilities, coaching programs, and infrastructure, India can further solidify its position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of para-shooting.
The future looks bright for para-shooting in India, with emerging talents like Rudransh Khandelwal and Nihal Singh leading the way. Their world-record-breaking performances and medal-winning achievements serve as a source of inspiration for para-athletes across the country. It is a proud moment for the nation, and the para-shooting community eagerly anticipates the continued success of these exceptional athletes.
