In a remarkable display of skill, Indian shooters Raiza Dhillon and Anant Jeet Singh Naruka secured Olympic quotas for India at the Asia Olympic Qualification for Shotgun in Kuwait City. Dhillon's silver medal in the women's skeet event marked India's 18th Olympic quota in shooting, while Naruka's silver in the men's skeet event brought the total to 19.
In the women's skeet final, 19-year-old Dhillon initially led but faced stiff competition from China's Jinmei Gao, who eventually clinched the gold. Despite missing some targets, Dhillon secured the silver medal, earning a Paris Games quota alongside Gao.
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Naruka exhibited skill and determination in the men's skeet final, securing the silver medal just one point behind gold medalist Meng Yuan Lee from Taipei. Mohammad Aldaihani claimed the bronze, contributing to India's second quota in the men's final.
The stellar performances of Dhillon and Naruka significantly increased India's representation in the upcoming Paris Games. This achievement reflected India's prowess in shooting, with a total of 19 Olympic quotas secured in the competition.
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In the women's skeet event, Maheshwari Chauhan earned a bronze, while Ganemat Sekhon finished in fourth place. The men's skeet qualification saw Naruka securing second place, with Munek Battule and Gurjoat Khangura ranking 18th and 21st, respectively.
The success of Indian shooters in Kuwait City underscores the nation's strength in the sport, with a promising outlook for the Paris Games.