Baku (Azerbaijan): Akhil Sheoran has added another glorious chapter to India's shooting prowess by clinching a bronze medal in the men's rifle 3-position competition at the ISSF World Championships, securing the nation's fifth quota for the upcoming Paris Olympics. The remarkable feat unfolded on Sunday, showcasing Sheoran's exceptional marksmanship.
In the intense final, Sheoran accumulated a total of 450.0 points, securing the third position and, notably, a quota for the prestigious Olympic Games scheduled for the next year. His impressive performance in the qualifications placed him sixth with an aggregate score of 585, setting the stage for his triumphant run in the finals.
The gold medal in the event was secured by Austria's Alexander Schmirl, who showcased unparalleled precision with a score of 462.6. The silver medal was claimed by Czech Republic's Petr Nymbursky, accumulating a total score of 459.2.
Also Read | ISSF World Championships: Mehuli Ghosh Wins 10m Air Rifle Bronze, Seals Paris Olympics Quota
Akhil Sheoran joins the ranks of other talented Indian shooters who have already earned Olympic quotas. These include Bhowneesh Mendiratta in men's trap, reigning world champion Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil in men's 10m air rifle, Swapnil Kusale in men's 50m rifle 3 positions, and Mehuli Ghosh in women's 10m air rifle.
The ISSF World Championship serves as a crucial qualifying event for the forthcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. This event offers a total of 48 Olympic quotas, with one quota being allocated to the top four finishers from each country in each of the 12 Olympic individual shooting events.
Acknowledging Sheoran's remarkable achievement, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) took to X, formerly Twitter, to celebrate this remarkable feat, showcasing India's prowess in the realm of shooting.
(With Inputs From PTI)