Indian shooters continue to dazzle at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, with Swapnil Kusale, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, and Akhil Sheoran clinching the gold medal in the men’s 50m rifle 3 position event. Their remarkable performance resulted in a world record cumulative total of 1769. India’s dominance was such that they secured the gold even before their third shooter completed the final round in the standing position. This victory marks India’s fifth gold in shooting and seventh overall at the 19th Asian Games.
Qualification Records Shattered
Aishwary and Swapnil not only secured the top two positions but also shattered the qualification round Games records, with both shooters scoring 591. Swapnil claimed the top spot due to his higher number of inner 10s, which are closer to the inner circle. While Aishwary and Swapnil advanced to the individual event finals, Akhil narrowly missed qualification for the finals despite finishing fifth. Only the top two shooters from each team, who also finish in the top 8 individually, are eligible to advance. Akhil achieved a total score of 587.
India’s success extended to the women’s rifle 3 position team event as well, where the trio of Palak Gulia, Esha Singh, and Divya TS secured a silver medal. Their combined score of 1731 points earned them the silver, while China claimed gold with a total of 1736, setting an Asian Games record. Chinese Taipei took home the bronze with a total of 1723.
Individual Medal Opportunities
Esha and Palak, both of whom finished fifth and seventh in the qualification round, will have the chance to compete for individual medals in the eight-shooter final. Unfortunately, Divya missed the cut, finishing in 10th place. In the finals, the top eight shooters vie for individual glory, with qualification round scores determining the team medals.
India’s shooting contingent has amassed a total of 15 medals at the Asian Games, including five gold medals. As the individual finals approach, there is the possibility of adding more medals to this remarkable tally.
