India’s Greatest Chance at Tokyo Olympics 2021 - A Deep Dive into India's Shooting Medals Potential

As we approach the Tokyo Olympics 2021, one sport stands out as India's prime chance to secure medals: Shooting. Despite not commanding the same global prestige as sports like wrestling, athletics, or badminton, a medal in Shooting is no less significant. This article delves into the various shooting events where India is well-positioned for success.

Overcoming Preconceptions and Achieving Excellence

Traditionally, Indian shooters have relied on superior world rankings and participation in inferior competitions to secure their spots. However, in recent times, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has overseen a youth takeover, resulting in impressive performances at major events.

The standout achievement was the success in four World Cups held in 2019, where Indian shooters won a remarkable total of 19 gold medals. This performance was nothing short of stunning and has set the stage for a potential medal haul at the Tokyo Olympics.

Predicting Success: Indoor vs. Outdoor Disciplines

Looking ahead to the Tokyo Games, the indoor disciplines appear to be the most promising areas for India. The mixed 10m air rifle and the mixed 10m air pistol are particularly optimistic. These events involve teams combining the talents of diverse individuals, presenting a high probability of winning gold medals.

The synergy between Saurabh and Manu, and potentially other pairings like Divyansh, could prove lethal. The indoor mixed events are considered the safest bets for returning medals. Additionally, there is a feasible chance of securing 4 medals in both the men's and women's 10m air rifle and 10m air pistol events, with Saurabh likely to be a lock for a medal.

Outlook for Skeet and Trap Disciplines

While disciplines like skeet and trap do not hold as much optimism for success, the performance of young talent must be encouraged. The hope is that these athletes do not crumble under the immense pressure of the Olympics and perform as they have in past World Cups.

Recent Developments and Team Selection

In a recent development, the Indian Shooting team has been named for the Tokyo Olympics. Notably, Manu Bhaker has been selected for three events, and Elavenil Vasulu has also been chosen. However, the selections for the 10m air rifle women and mixed teams were somewhat unexpected.

There is speculation that the NRAI might have considered Anjum Moudgil’s inconsistent performance in medaling compared to Apurvi Chandela and Elavenil Vasulu. Despite this, she remains in the mixed team, where she has shown better results. Only time will tell if these selections will pan out as hoped.

Conclusion

While the challenges ahead are clear, the potential for success in shooting remains high. India’s shooting team has the chance to deliver a breakthrough performance at the Tokyo Olympics. The coming weeks and months will be crucial, as the team continues their preparations for the event.

As we await the results, one thing is certain: the performance of India's shooters will be pivotal in determining the medal count for our country at the Games. Let us wish them the best as they represent their nation with pride and skill.

Stay tuned for updates and more insights into India's Olympic ambition!