In a thrilling 10m air rifle final at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooter Arjun Babuta displayed exceptional skill and resilience but narrowly missed out on an Olympic medal, finishing in fourth place.
Babuta, who qualified with a strong score of 630.1 points, delivered a commendable performance, underscoring his potential on the global stage.
He later also rued about his chances to finish on the podium.
Strong Start by Arjun Babuta
Arjun Babuta began the final on a high note. The 25-year-old shooter impressed with an initial shot of 10.7, laying a solid foundation for his performance. Over the initial five-shot series, he secured fourth place with a cumulative score of 52.4 points. By the end of the first ten shots, Babuta advanced to third place with a total score of 105.0 points, raising hopes for a medal.
Consistent Performance Under Pressure
Throughout the competition, Babuta’s consistency shone through. He moved up to second place after the first elimination round, with a score of 126.4, and maintained his position with a score of 146.9. His steady shooting, including notable scores of 10.6 and 10.8, highlighted his focus and skill.
However, the competition was intense. Babuta faced stiff challenges from PanAm star Marcelo Julian Gutierrez and South Korean shooter Choe Daehan. Gutierrez was eliminated after scoring 122.8, while Choe exited after the second elimination round.
Facing Challenges st Paris Olympics
In the heat of the competition, Babuta encountered a significant challenge with a 9.9 shot, impacting his standing. Reflecting on the role of luck, he said, “If you don’t have a match today, it doesn’t matter. If you have a day, you can shoot anywhere.” Babuta also emphasised the importance of focus, noting, “I try to just be in the zone, stay with my process, my technique, breathing, and calmness.”
Final Stages and Narrow Miss
As the final stages approached, Babuta faced a series of challenges. Despite a minor slip with a 10.2 shot, he managed to bounce back to second place with a 10.7 shot. However, the final moments saw a dramatic shift. Victor Lindgren overtook Babuta for the second spot after a 10.8 shot, causing Babuta to slip to fourth place after a 10.4 shot. A subsequent 10.1 shot further affected his standing.
In the crucial final moments, Babuta’s score of 9.5 on his last shot proved costly, leaving him just 0.9 points behind the third-placed athlete, resulting in a fourth-place finish. Reflecting on this, Babuta said, “I wish I could have shot better.”
Reflections and Future Prospects of Arjun Babuta
After the competition, Babuta expressed a mix of disappointment and hope. “It’s not the end of the world. I am going to pursue more in the future, so I am hopeful for the next competitions,” he said. He emphasised his commitment to learning and improvement, noting, “Lessons are only from spirituality, I do believe. Anyone can teach me anything, even a beggar.”
Babuta acknowledged the value of his experience, stating, “I will accept it and move on with a smile. Because this will make me stronger and will help me in the future.” His reaction to his fourth-place finish reflected his resilience and determination.
Babuta’s insights into his final performance showed his dedication. “I was just aiming for 10.9. It looked perfect. And I was with my process. I was aware that now it’s very close. And I have to do my best. And I did try. I still don’t know the reason why that shot went out. Because my execution was really good. So, I will discuss it with the team.”
Future bright for India shooter
Arjun Babuta’s near miss at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a testament to his resilience and skill. Despite the disappointment of missing out on a medal, his performance underscored his potential and determination to continue striving for excellence.
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