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| Source: The Hindu |
Punjab Duo Shines in National Games 2025 Shooting Event
The Punjab shooting pair of Arjun Babuta and Ojasvi Thakur showcased precision and composure to secure the 10m air rifle mixed team gold medal at the 38th National Games. Their stellar performance on Day 4 of the shooting competitions saw them defeating Maharashtra's Arya Borse and Rudrankksh Patil 16-12 in an intense gold medal match at the Trishool Shooting Range.
A Fierce Battle for Gold
The final match witnessed both teams engaging in a closely contested showdown. The scores remained tight for the majority of the event until the Punjab duo delivered a decisive final shot of 21.4, marginally surpassing Maharashtra’s 21.0 to claim the victory.
West Bengal Clinches Bronze
In the bronze medal match, West Bengal’s Abhinav Shaw and Ismita Bhowal put up an impressive performance to defeat Gujarat by 17-11. Their final shot of 21.1 outshined Gujarat’s 20.4, securing them a well-deserved spot on the podium.
Victorious Duo Reacts
An elated Ojasvi Thakur, only 16 years old, expressed her excitement, saying, "It feels absolutely amazing to win gold for our state. This was a true team effort."
Meanwhile, 26-year-old Arjun Babuta, a seasoned shooter who previously bagged gold medals in the 2022 Changwon World Cup and 2023 Asian Championships, stated, "While on the shooting range and aiming for gold, we both focused on our individual performances, striving to achieve the maximum points."
Path to the Final – Qualification Round Highlights
A total of 25 teams from across India participated in the qualification round, with the top four advancing to the final. The Punjab duo led the standings with an impressive score of 631.7, followed closely by:
Maharashtra – 630.7
West Bengal – 630.6
Gujarat – 629.4
Women’s 25m Pistol Event – A Display of Talent
The women’s 25m pistol qualification round saw Punjab’s Simranpreet Kaur Brar leading with an impressive score of 579. The top eight shooters who made it to the finals included:
Pushpanjali Rana (578) – Delhi
T S Divya (577) – Karnataka
Rahi Jeevan Sarnobat (576) – Maharashtra
Annu Raj (576) – Haryana
Riya Shirish Thatte (576) – Maharashtra
Neeraj Kaur (574) – Punjab
Anjali Choudhary (573) – Haryana
A Thrilling Shooting Event at National Games
The 38th National Games continues to be an exhilarating platform for India's top shooters to showcase their skills. With fierce competition and remarkable performances, the event has once again reinforced the dominance of Punjab’s shooters on the national stage.
Conclusion
The victory of Arjun Babuta and Ojasvi Thakur in the 10m air rifle mixed team event is a testament to their dedication and excellence in the sport. As the National Games progress, more thrilling action is expected, making it an exciting spectacle for shooting enthusiasts across the country.
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