Rajeshwari Kumari, a silver medalist at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, is all set to compete in the women's trap in shooting at the Paris Olympics. Rajeshwari, the daughter of Randhir Singh, India's first gold medalist in shooting from the 1978 Asiad in Bangkok, is among the 21 Indian shooters to secure a quota place for the Paris Olympic Games.
Rajeshwari Kumari: From National Record Holder to Paris 2024 Contender
India has achieved a historic milestone by securing 21 quotas in shooting for the Olympic Games. This includes 16 opportunities across eight individual rifle and pistol events. Additionally, India will have a record six entries in the four individual shotgun events.
This record-breaking 21-member Indian shooting team is set to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympics, taking place from July 27 to August 5. The shooting events will be hosted at the National Shooting Centre in Châteauroux.
In the shotgun category, Rajeshwari Kumari and Shreyasi Singh will compete in the women’s trap event. Meanwhile, Prithviraj Tondaiman will represent India in the men’s trap event, further bolstering India’s presence in this discipline. This will mark the largest Indian shooting squad in Olympic history, surpassing the previous record of 15 participants from Tokyo 2020. Indian shooters are scheduled to compete in all 15 shooting events at the Paris Games.
Moreover, Kumari has been training with David Kostelecky, a two-time Olympic medalist, for the past two years and describes the experience as exceptional. Here’s everything you need to know about her.
Who is Rajeshwari Kumari
Punjab-based Rajeshwari Kumari created a national record in the women's trap competition during the 63rd National Shotgun Shooting Championship, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) confirmed. Rajeshwari shot an incredible score of 118 out of 125 in qualifications and clinched silver in the event. She shot rounds of 24 23 24 24 and 23 to top the field in the women's trap qualification.
She outclassed the previous record of 116 jointly held by Seema Tomar, Shreyasi Singh and Manisha Keer. “Although I missed out on the gold, I am still very proud to hold the national record. Some really classy names I climbed up over. This is something my father also held at a point and I am elated at being able to emulate the person I so look up to,” an elated Rajeshwari said on achieving the feat.
Key Takeaways:
- Seasoned shooter Rajeshwari Kumari shot an incredible score of 118 out of 125 in qualifications and won silver in the event
- In the process, Rajeshwari has created a national record in the women's trap competition. “Although I missed out on the gold, I am still very proud to hold the national record. Some really classy names I climbed up over,” she claimed
- The previous record was jointly held by Seema Tomar, Shreyasi Singh and Manisha Keer
/shethepeople/media/agency_attachments/iUYfaBbcMozaYLoGnoov.png)
Follow Us/shethepeople/media/post_banners/goKSkQC6RUREcMz6aNhm.jpg)