Can Indian shooters make Tokyo Olympics an unforgettable bonanza?

Rahi Sarnobat - the surprise package

Rahi Sarnobat - The Surprise Package

In 2018, when the women's 25 m. pistol event was underway, two women shooters made India proud by entering the finals. One was the young sensation Manu Bhaker. The other was Rahi Sarnobat, who shot to fame with the Commonwealth Games of 2010, and had just managed to make her cut to Jakarta Asian Games.

However, when the finals came to a close, the equations were quite different. Contrary to expectations, Manu Bhaker finished sixth out of eight finalists. But Rahi Sarnobat held her nerve as she overcame an excruciating tie breaker. She became the first ever woman from India to win a gold medal in shooting at the Asian Games, with a Games record score of 34.

Ever since, the Maharashtrian shooter has never looked back, and she can turn out to be a surprise package in Tokyo like Vijay Kumar in London 2012. As she competes in Women's 25 m pistol, all Rahi requires is the same cool mind and her focus on consistency. If she does that, sky is the limit for her.