India winded-up their shooting at the 24th Deaflympics in Caxais do Sul, Brazil, by concluding in second place with 3 gold and 2 bronze medals.
Only Ukraine ended before the 10-strong Indian contingent, with 6 gold and an overall total of 12 medals. It was a memorable performance by the Indian shooters in assuring the nation’s best-ever performance at Deaflympics.
India currently ranks 8th on the medals table with 7 gold, 1 silver and 4 bronze medals.
This is for the first time an Indian shooting team has taken part at the Deaflympics on the initiative of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
A delighted NRAI secretary general K. Sultan Singh stated, “It makes me even prouder to have such a dedicated and high-quality team of professionals at NRAI. Without their hard work and dedication this phenomenal performance would not have been possible in such a short time.”
“Our coaches Anuja Jung and Priti Sharma even went to the extent of learning sign language to better impart coaching.”
“My President Mr. Raninder Singh, forever the shooting promotion man, also made it very clear from day one that there should be left no stone unturned in the preparations of the squad.”
He also appreciated the Sports Authority of India and the Sports Ministry for supporting the shooters.
“The Hon. Minister, Anurag Thakur, MYAS, was himself at hand to flag-off the team, inspiring confidence and providing much deserving recognition to the deaf shooters.”
Dhanush Srikanth was the focus of the shooting squad, earning 2 gold medals in the men’s 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle mixed team tournaments respectively. Priyesha Deshmukh was his companion in the mixed event.
Abhinav Deshwal triumphed India’s 3rd gold medal in the men’s 10m air pistol event whilst Shourya Saini in the men’s air rifle and Vedika Sharma in the women’s air pistol triumphed individual bronze medals.
