In the latest round of Olympic Selection Trials, shooters Esha Singh and Anish Bhanwala secured their second triumphs, showcasing their prowess in the women's 25m pistol and men's 25m rapid-fire pistol (RFP) events respectively.
This victory marks a significant achievement for both athletes, further solidifying their positions as contenders for the Olympic team.
Esha Singh, who previously clinched a win in the women's 10m air pistol event, demonstrated exceptional skill in the women's 25m pistol trial held at the M.P. State Shooting Academy (MPSSA) ranges. Her impressive performance, scoring 43 hits in the finals, surpassed the world record set by Korean Kim Yeji. Notably, this victory adds to her growing list of accomplishments, showcasing her potential as a top-tier athlete in the sport.
In the men's RFP final, Anish Bhanwala showcased remarkable precision, dominating the field with three flawless series of five hits each at the outset. Despite facing some initial challenges, he maintained his composure and finished strong with 36 hits, securing the top position. This victory underscores his exceptional talent and competitive spirit, positioning him as a formidable contender for Olympic selection.
Following closely behind in the women's 25m pistol trial, Manu Bhaker displayed impressive skill, securing the second position with 40 hits. Rhythm Sangwan also demonstrated commendable performance, securing the final podium place with a score of 33 hits. In the men's RFP event, Vijayveer Sidhu showcased resilience, securing the second position with 31 hits, while Ankur Goel claimed the third position with 19 hits.
As the competition intensifies, all ten shooters are set to compete in the upcoming fourth trial (T4) and final match, aiming to further solidify their positions in the Olympic Selection Trials. With consistent performances across multiple trials, Manu Bhaker and Anish Bhanwala maintain their lead in the women's sport pistol and men's RFP events respectively, positioning themselves as frontrunners for Olympic selection.