Oct 30,2023
Bhanwala’s Thrilling Journey to Paris 2024
In a heart-stopping faceoff at the Asian Championships in Changwon, Korea, Anish Bhanwala, a gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games, showcased exceptional prowess by clinching a bronze in the fiercely contested men’s 25m rapid pistol fire event. This exhilarating performance not only adorned his collection with a shining medal but also guaranteed India its 12th quota for the much-anticipated Paris Olympics.
The 21-year-old wunderkind from Karnal exhibited unparalleled precision, tallying an impressive 28 hits in the final round, narrowly conceding in a riveting shoot-out against Japan’s Dai Yoshioka, who secured the silver. The crowd roared as local favorite Lee Gunhyeok triumphed with the gold, setting the stage for an unforgettable showdown.
What elevates Bhanwala’s feat is that he clinched the Paris Games quota spot by surmounting the grueling qualifiers. Notably, China, Japan, and Korea had already depleted their Olympic quotas for this event, making Bhanwala’s achievement a testament to his innate talent and unwavering determination.
During the nerve-wracking qualification stage, Bhanwala showcased his mettle, amassing a remarkable score of 588, propelling him into the final with unwavering determination. His journey was akin to a roller-coaster ride, underscoring the resilience and grit of this young shooting sensation.
While his compatriot Bhavesh Shekhawat exhibited commendable skill, scoring an impressive 584 and securing a top-eight position in the qualification, he faced the heartbreak of missing the final. Since he was competing solely for ranking points, Shekhawat’s stellar performance adds to the burgeoning pool of Indian shooting talent.
Anish Bhanwala’s extraordinary journey in Changwon not only earned him a well-deserved spot in the Paris Olympics but also etched his name in the annals of Indian sports history. His incredible display of skill and determination serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes nationwide, setting the stage for what promises to be an unforgettable Olympic campaign.
Brace yourselves to witness history in the making!
