Haryana's Shooting Stars Set Sights on Olympic Glory in Paris

As the world turns its attention to Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, India pins its hopes on a group of six talented shooters hailing from Haryana. These athletes are set to showcase their skills on the global stage, aiming to bring home Olympic glory for their country. 

The Sharpshooters

Leading the charge is Manu Bhaker, a young Olympic champion from Jhajjar. Bhaker will compete in three events: the women's 10-meter air pistol, 10-meter air pistol mixed team, and women's 25-meter pistol. Having participated in the Tokyo Olympics, Bhaker now carries the weight of increased expectations. 

Joining Bhaker are Anish Bhanwala from Karnal, Saurabh Chaudhary from Ambala, and Rhythm Sangwan from Faridabad, all competing in pistol events. Raiza Dhillon from Karnal will represent Haryana in women's skeet shotgun events, while Ramita Jindal from Kurukshetra will participate in the women's 10-meter air rifle competition. 

High Hopes and Past Achievements 

These shooters have already made their mark in various international competitions. Anish Bhanwala, for instance, holds a junior world record and became a Commonwealth champion at just 15 years old. Such accomplishments have raised hopes for strong performances in Paris.

Manu Bhaker, despite a disappointing showing in Tokyo, remains a strong medal contender. Her experience from the previous Olympics is expected to work in her favor this time around.

Challenges and Support

Despite their potential, these athletes face significant challenges. Haryana lacks proper shooting ranges and government-run academies, forcing shooters to rely on private facilities for training. This situation puts a financial burden on the athletes and their families. 

While some shooters have received support from private organizations, government schemes like TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme), and initiatives like Olympic Gold Quest, they still depend heavily on their families for training and other needs. 

The Road Ahead

As these six shooters prepare to depart for Paris, they carry the hopes of not just Haryana but the entire nation. Their journey highlights both the abundance of talent in Haryana and the need for better infrastructure and support systems for athletes. 

Sports expert Rajnarayan Panghal emphasizes the importance of good coaching and a supportive environment for Olympic-level performance. He also points out the disparity in facilities available to Indian athletes compared to their international counterparts, which can affect their competitiveness on the global stage. 

Despite these challenges, the determination and skill of Haryana's shooting squad offer a glimmer of hope for Olympic success. As the games begin on July 25, all eyes will be on these sharpshooters as they aim for medals and strive to make their mark in Olympic history.