How did Anjum Moudgil qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024?

Anjum Moudgil is among India's most experienced shooters. After having previously represented India at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she is set to compete at the Paris Olympics 2024 in the women’s 50m air rifle 3 positions category.

Anjum was the first Indian to secure the Olympic quota for the Tokyo Olympics after earning a silver medal at the 2018 ISSF World Championships. During the Games later, she placed 12th in the 50m rifle 3 positions. Anjum had also qualified for the 10m air rifle mixed team, which placed 18th.

A year after the Tokyo Olympics, Anjum became the No.1 ranked shooter in the world in women's 10m air rifle. She won the silver medal at the ISSF World Cup Final. Although she didn't win any medals at the Asian Games and didn't secure the Olympic quota for Paris, the 30-year-old qualified for the Olympic Selection Trials based on her impressive rankings.

Anjum Moudgil is currently ranked 29th in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions. She consistently delivered scores hovering around 590 during the four-stage Olympic Selection Trials. Anjum placed second with a final average score of 589.93, nearly one point less than top finisher Sift Kaur Samra (590.87).

Although Anjum competed in both the 10m air rifle and 50m rifle 3 positions at the Tokyo Olympics, she only qualified in the latter for the Paris Olympics 2024. With loads of experience behind her, the 30-year-old will be looking to improve her performance at the Tokyo Olympics.

---

Can Anjum Moudgil win a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024?

Anjum Moudgil consistently scores around the mark of 590 in the qualification rounds. If she can continue to do that, the 30-year-old is expected to make the finals of the 50m rifle 3 positions easily. However, for the finals, Moudgil will need to better her scores, and with experience behind her, she can do that.

Anjum is equally good in all three positions, and to have a chance of earning a medal at the Paris Olympics 2024, the 30-year-old will need to be at her absolute best. Having already experienced the Olympics in Tokyo, her nerves will be less, and that could bring the best out of her.