Arjun Babuta Equals World Record Score at India’s National Shooting Trials

Dara Singh Chahal

Bhopal, 28th Feb 2024: Arjun Babuta, a prominent shooter, achieved a remarkable feat at India’s national shooting trials 2024, held at the MP State Shooting Academy ranges in Bhopal. Babuta’s outstanding performance in the men’s 10m air rifle final saw him match Olympian Divyansh Singh Panwar’s world record score.

Scoring an impressive 253.7 points, Babuta demonstrated exceptional skill and precision, mirroring Panwar’s record-setting performance achieved at the 2024 ISSF World Cup in Cairo earlier this year. His accomplishment places him among the elite ranks of shooters, showcasing his prowess on the global stage.

Kiran Ankush Jadhav secured the second position in the trials, while Sri Karthik Sabri Raj, the top qualifier, finished third, contributing to the competitive atmosphere of the event.

Conducted by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the trials featured Group A shooters, comprising the nation’s top-ranked marksmen and markswomen. As the selection process progresses, the top five Indian shooters based on national rankings as of February 29 will earn coveted spots in the NRAI’s final selection trials for the Paris 2024 Olympics.

India’s remarkable achievements in shooting have been underscored by the acquisition of 19 out of the possible 24 quotas for the upcoming Summer Games, reflecting the country’s growing prominence in the sport.

Anish Bhanwala, the esteemed 2018 Commonwealth Games champion, showcased his prowess in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol trials, securing victory in both the third and fourth trials. His consistent performance underscores his status as a formidable competitor, with notable achievements including securing a Paris 2024 Olympics quota for India in the same category.

In the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions category, Ayushi Podder emerged victorious with a final-round score of 459.7 points, despite starting from a seventh-place qualification position. Vidarsa Vinod and Heena Gohei secured the second and third spots, respectively, adding to the intense competition witnessed during the trials.

The national shooting trials not only serve as a platform for athletes to showcase their talent but also exemplify India’s commitment to excellence in the realm of competitive shooting, fostering a culture of achievement and sportsmanship among its athletes.