Rhythm Sangwan secured the 16th Olympic quota for India in shooting by claiming a bronze medal in the 25m sports pistol event at the Asia Qualifiers on Thursday. This achievement marks a significant milestone for India as it now holds its highest-ever number of quota places for the upcoming Paris Olympics in July-August. The previous record was set at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics with 15 shooters.
The 20-year-old shooter from Haryana, a key member of the team that clinched the 25m sports pistol gold at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, shot an impressive 28 in the final to secure the bronze medal. Although she finished in the third position, Rhythm’s performance was sufficient to earn an Olympic quota for India.
Esha Singh and Varun Tomar had previously secured Olympic quota places for India in the 10m air pistol women’s and men’s events on Monday during the same qualifiers.
Rhythm’s bronze medal in the 25m sports pistol event adds to her achievements in the ongoing Asian Olympic Qualifiers, where she had earlier claimed another bronze in the 10m air pistol event. Despite missing out on an Olympic quota place in that event, Rhythm’s determination and success in the 25m sports pistol category have now ensured her spot at the Paris Olympics.
In the final, China’s Yang Jiin secured the gold with a score of 41, while Kim Yeji from Korea finished second with 32 points. Rhythm Sangwan’s consistent performance underscores India’s growing prowess in the field of shooting, setting the stage for a promising representation at the upcoming Olympic Games.
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