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| Source: DD News Uttarakhand |
Sift Kaur Samra, Jonathan Anthony Bag Gold Medals at National Games
The 38th National Games witnessed stellar performances from India's top shooters as Punjab's Sift Kaur Samra and Karnataka's Jonathan Anthony clinched gold in their respective shooting events. Their victories underscore not only their individual talent and hard work but also the growing strength of Indian shooting on the national and international stage.
Sift Kaur Samra Dominates Women's 50m 3 Positions Event
Sift Kaur Samra, a 23-year-old Asian Games gold medalist, reaffirmed her supremacy in the women's 50m 3 positions event by scoring an impressive 461.2 points at the Maharana Pratap Sports College. Her outstanding performance secured her the top podium finish, marking a strong comeback following her journey in the Paris Olympics, where she fell short of reaching the finals.
Speaking about her victory, Samra emphasized the importance of consistent training and focus on technique. "Winning gold today feels special. I didn't take a break after the Olympics and kept working hard, and this result is a testament to that effort," she remarked.
The silver medal in the event went to fellow Punjab shooter Anjum Moudgil, who registered a score of 458.7 points. Moudgil, a seasoned competitor with two silver medals from the 2018 World Championships, praised Samra's skill and determination while also acknowledging the high standards maintained at the National Games. Telangana’s Surabhi Bhardwaj Rapole secured the bronze medal with a score of 448.8 points, completing the podium finish.
Jonathan Anthony Excels in Men's 10m Pistol Event
In the men's 10m pistol category, Karnataka's Jonathan Anthony put up a remarkable display of composure and precision to bag the gold medal. His ability to maintain focus under pressure helped him outperform a competitive field, including some of the best marksmen in the country.
SSCB's Ravinder Singh clinched the silver medal, while his teammate Gurpreet Singh settled for the bronze. Anthony expressed immense pride in his victory, calling it a significant milestone in his shooting career. "I'm thrilled with this win. Competing against such talented shooters who have represented India at the highest level makes this victory even more meaningful. Today was my day, and I’m proud of how it all came together," he said.
Jonathan Antony, 16 year-old from Karnataka, beats a stellar field including Olympic medallist Sarabjot Singh to win 10m air pistol gold at #NationalGames. Saurabh Chaudhary closely missed out on qualification. #indianshooting pic.twitter.com/vpMmEF628b
— Avishek Roy (@tweet2avishek) February 3, 2025
Significance of Their Victories
The victories of Samra and Anthony at the 38th National Games highlight the depth of talent in India's shooting contingent. Their performances not only set a benchmark for upcoming shooters but also strengthen India's medal prospects in upcoming international tournaments. With the Asian Games and the Paris Olympics already shaping their careers, these young shooters are undoubtedly future torchbearers of Indian shooting.
The National Games continues to be a crucial platform for athletes to test their skills and prepare for global competitions. As India emerges as a powerhouse in shooting sports, these victories serve as an inspiration for aspiring marksmen and markswomen across the nation.
Looking Ahead
With their National Games triumphs, both Sift Kaur Samra and Jonathan Anthony will now set their sights on bigger challenges, including World Cups and Olympic qualifiers. Their commitment and success serve as a reminder of India's rising dominance in shooting sports, and fans can eagerly look forward to more exceptional performances in the future.
Stay tuned for more updates on Indian sports and the remarkable athletes making the nation proud!

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