India’s 21-strong shooting contingent poised for redemption in Paris

There is much speculation about India achieving a double-digit medal haul in Paris. But for that to happen, India needs do well in shooting, starting today with the 10m mixed rifle event. Despite the scepticism stemming from disappointments at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, a closer look reveals a fundamental shift this time around. Over the next 10 days, India will be represented by 21 shooters, each with a proven pedigree at the world level, in 28 events. Coming at the back of seven gold medals at the 2023 Hangzhou Asian Games, expectations are high. So, what is different this time? Who is better than 2008 Olympics gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who has predicted multiple medals in Paris, to explain the difference.

“Our shooters aren’t scared of the big stage anymore. They have had the best of facilities and trained and competed abroad with the best in the world. They have mental conditioning coaches with them who will help them handle pressure better. In every sense they are much better prepared,” Bindra said. There is a silent optimism among the shooting contingent. “It is the same shooting range. The same gun. And the same target. What changes is the name of the competition. And that’s where things get complicated. When you know it is the Olympic Games and that it comes once every four years, you automatically feel the pressure. World Cups are there four times a year. A failed one doesn’t matter. But one failed Olympics could mean you never again get a chance,” said one of India’s leading medal contenders here in Paris.


“We have simulated finals in our training module. The gruelling qualification trials mean the best on current form are here in Paris. So, in every sense we are ready”, said one of the coaches with the contingent. In the post-Tokyo 2020 review, it was pointed out that funds needed to be efficiently utilised. A structured and professional junior programme with an emphasis on sports science was needed. There was need for a coaching structure with able and talented coaches taking care of the national team, replacing political appointees at the top. To its credit, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) did put systems in place.

The system may not be perfect y e t , it is good enough to empower shooters to try and be perfect on an imperfect day as Bindra had always aspired to be. As much as shooters need time to train and compete, they also require adequate downtime to be in peak condition for major events. In India, sometimes there is too much focus on training and hard work, overlooking the need for recovery and refocusing. The diet, mental well-being and training regimes of these athletes, who have the potential to win medals, needs to be monitored.

The best part is that it is no longer about one individual, like Bindra or Gagan Narang. In every event that India will participate in Paris, there is good chance of success. All they need now is some luck on the day of competition. “The NRAI will now face its biggest challenge in ensuring the hype doesn’t get to the shooters,” said a senior shooter. “These are young impressionistic minds, and you need to be careful. You don’t want them to be underconfident or overawed.”

Another factor that could help the shooters is the presence of individual coaches. For Manu Bhaker, who is looking for redemption in Paris, having Jaspal Rana around is a huge plus. Her recent scores are proof of her positive mental state. Manu will start her campaign today with the 10m air pistol qualification, alongside Rhythm Sangwan. With all the preparation now behind them and the all the support staff at their disposal, the shooters are poised to make an impact. If they stay focused, Paris can be a game changer for Indian shooting.