The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) made an announcement of cash rewards for Paris Olympics bronze medalists Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh and Swapnil Kusale, at a felicitation ceremony on Friday. Manu had created history at the Games recently where won two bronze medals — becoming the first Indian to win two medals at a single edition of the Olympics.
NRAI Felicitates Paris Olympics Medalists
She was awarded Rs 45 lakh, while Swapnil Kusale was give Rs 30 lakh for his bronze medal as well, in the men’s 50m rifle 3 positions event. Apart from that, Sarabjot Singh, who won a bronze medal with Manu Bhaker in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, got a sum of Rs 15 lakh.
Meanwhile, the NRAI ceremony was attended by the entire shooting contingent of the Paris Olympics. Apart from that, the other members of the squad were honoured with mementos from the NRAI. On the other hand, the support staff including Dr. Pierre Beauchamp, High Performance Director, Thomas Farnik, foreign rifle coach, Munkhbyar Dorjsuren, foreign pistol coach, Samresh Jung, national pistol coach 10m, and Manoj Kumar, national rifle coach 50m, were given Rs 5 lakh each.
NRAI chief Kalikesh Singh Deo said, “Our shooters and coaches and the entire support staff have done the country proud. They have proven that they are second to none in this sport, which is no mean achievement.
“They deserve all the accolades and awards that they are getting and we are confident that this performance will herald a new wave of shooting talent from across India. Congratulations are also in order for the entire team at NRAI, who have worked so hard to deliver under immense pressure.
“The fairness of our Olympic plans, the high-performance support provided and ensuring that the best shooter in the best form is picked for the Games, have all combined effectively in this success. You should rightly be beaming with pride.”