In a historic moment for India, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore became the first Indian athlete to win an individual silver medal in shooting at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Rathore's impressive performance in the double trap event earned him the second place on the podium, setting a new record for the country. This feat was followed by Abhinav Bindra's gold medal win in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making him the first Indian to achieve such a feat. Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar also added to India's success in shooting by securing bronze and silver respectively in the London Olympics in 2012.
Indian Shooting: A Journey of Excellence and Historical Achievements
Shooting, as a sport, has witnessed a remarkable rise in popularity in India over the years. This resurgence can be attributed to the exceptional performances of Indian shooters on the global stage, particularly at the Olympic Games.
Historic Milestones
The country's Olympic shooting journey began with Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's groundbreaking achievement at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Rathore's silver medal in the double trap event marked the first time an Indian athlete had won an individual shooting medal at the Olympics.
This historic moment paved the way for Abhinav Bindra's extraordinary triumph at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Bindra's gold medal in the 10m air rifle event made him the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics.
The success continued in the 2012 London Olympics with Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar winning bronze and silver medals in the 10m air rifle and 25m rapid fire pistol events, respectively.
Top 5 FAQs
1. Who is the first Indian to win an individual Olympic shooting medal? Answer: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
2. Who is the first Indian to win an individual Olympic gold medal in shooting? Answer: Abhinav Bindra
3. Which Indian shooter won a bronze medal in the 2012 London Olympics in 10m air rifle? Answer: Gagan Narang
4. Which Indian shooter won a silver medal in the 2012 London Olympics in 25m rapid fire pistol? Answer: Vijay Kumar
5. Which Indian shooter won a silver medal in the 2004 Athens Olympics in double trap? Answer: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
Legacy and Future Prospects
The achievements of Indian shooters have inspired a new generation of athletes who aspire to emulate their success. The establishment of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in 1951 has played a crucial role in nurturing and promoting shooting talent in the country.
Indian shooting continues to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the sport. With a strong emphasis on training, technology, and innovation, India aims to achieve even greater heights in the years to come. The legacy of the pioneers and the aspirations of the future generation promise a bright and illustrious future for Indian shooting.
In a historic moment for the NBA, LeBron James and his eldest son Bronny made history as they became the first father-son duo to play in an NBA match together. This unprecedented achievement is a testament to James Senior's longevity in the sport at the top of his game, while also celebrating James Junior's resilience. The two made their mark on the court during the Los Angeles Lakers' season opener against Minnesota Timberwolves, with father and son checking into the game together in the second quarter.
The second day of the first Test between South Africa and Bangladesh saw a dominant performance by the Proteas, led by Kyle Verreynne's century. Despite a few hiccups, South Africa ended the day with the first-innings advantage, thanks to Verreynne and Dane Piedt's strong stand. Bangladeshi batsmen struggled against the South African bowlers, but Mahmudul Hasan and Mushfiqur Rahim's partnership brought stability to their team before the close of the day.
Mumbai's selection panel has dropped Prithvi Shaw from their team for the Ranji Trophy game against Tripura due to his lack of attendance at practice sessions and being overweight. The 24-year-old, who scored a hundred in his debut Test against West Indies, has faced off-field issues and injuries that have hindered his career progress. Former Australia player Ricky Ponting, who worked with Shaw at Delhi Capitals, also spoke about the batter's problems. Shaw's attitude and weight issues seem to have cost him potential spots in both domestic and national teams.
The eleventh season of the Pro Kabaddi League (PKL 11) is underway and the excitement is palpable. With all the teams playing their opening games and no draws yet, the competition is fiercer than ever. After securing a hard-fought win against Bengal Warriors, the Jaipur Pink Panthers will face off against Telugu Titans, who have a mixed record so far. The Pink Panthers will look to continue their momentum, while the Titans will aim for a comeback after a loss to Tamil Thalaivas. With a history of close matches between the two teams, this is definitely not one to miss.
The former Australian opener, who announced his retirement earlier this year, has expressed his willingness to return to the national team for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy against India. With Australia needing a strong start in the series, Warner's availability could prove to be a game changer. The 37-year-old pointed out that he has had a similar preparation as the other players and will use his time in the Sheffield Shield to regain his form and fitness.
Bayern Munich star Joshua Kimmich is set to face his former coach, Hansi Flick, when his current team takes on FC Barcelona in the UEFA Champions League. With his contract expiring soon, Kimmich has been linked to the Catalan giants for over a year. The player himself has admitted that this match will be special for him, not only because of his potential transfer, but also due to the reunion with Flick, who played a pivotal role in his growth as a versatile player. Kimmich also compared his former teammate, Robert Lewandowski, with his current teammate, Harry Kane, highlighting the different styles they bring to their respective teams.
After suffering their first defeat of the season to Bournemouth, Arsenal are gearing up to face Shakhtar Donetsk in the newly revamped Champions League League Phase. The Gunners may be without Bukayo Saka due to a hamstring injury, while captain Martin Ødegaard is also currently unfit. As both teams fight for a top spot in the league, fans can catch the match for free.
Bangladesh is fighting to save the first Test against South Africa as they reached 101-3 at stumps, still needing 101 runs to avoid an innings defeat. Mahmudul Hasan Joy (38) and Mushfiqur Rahim (31) showed resilience and remained unbeaten at the end of play, with their 42-run stand for the fourth wicket. Additionally, Mushfiqur became the first Bangladeshi to cross 6,000 career Test runs. South Africa's Kyle Verreynne's century helped the visitors secure a 202-run lead with a total of 308 in their first innings.
The Rugby Football Union (RFU) in England has proposed a non-contact version of rugby to be introduced in schools as a way to tackle declining youth participation and concerns over head injuries. An independent review found that many schools with strong rugby traditions are no longer playing the sport due to safety concerns. This move aims to make the game more accessible and inclusive, while still retaining traditional elements such as line-outs and scrums. The RFU also plans to continue offering full-contact rugby for older players.
Glasgow, Scotland has been selected to host the 2026 Commonwealth Games, bringing the multi-sport event back to their city after a successful 2014 run. With a focus on accessibility and showcasing top athletes, Glasgow 2026 will feature a compact programme of 10 sports across four venues. The event is expected to bring in over £100 million in investment and is set to have a unique branding that highlights the Commonwealth Games' role in the larger Commonwealth Sport Movement.