Emerging Stars: Indian Shooters Shine at Paris Olympics

Indian rifle shooters Ramita Jindal and Elavenil Valarivan showcased commendable performances at the Paris Olympics, signalling a new era for Indian rifle shooting. Despite missing out on medals, their achievements and the support from Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation have won admiration globally.

Indian rifle shooters Ramita Jindal and Elavenil Valarivan made waves at the recently concluded Paris Olympics. While they did not clinch medals, their outstanding performances indicated a promising future for Indian rifle shooting.

Ramita Jindal, 20, reached the Final on her Olympic debut, becoming the first female shooter since Suma Shirur to achieve the feat. Though she finished 7th, her incredible comeback in the qualification's last series and her courageous performance in the final were widely lauded. Elavenil Valarivan also performed strongly in the qualification but narrowly missed the final cut.

The duo's performances highlighted the success of the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation's (GNSPF) training program, where they have been coached by Neha. "Both Elavenil and Ramita performed excellently, and I'm extremely proud. Their growth since joining us is immense," said Coach Neha. She emphasized the program's tailored approach to cater to the individual needs of the athletes.

Coach Neha outlined how different training regimes were developed for each shooter to prepare them for intense competition. The program included technical endurance, strategic breaks, and meticulous mind-conditioning. Elavenil benefited from the flagship Project Leap program, while both athletes were provided with high-quality equipment. Neha concluded by appreciating GNSPF's supportive environment, inspiring both coaches and athletes.

(With inputs from agencies.)