NRAI Awards Cash Prizes to Paris Olympic Shooting Medallists

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) announced cash awards for the Paris Olympics bronze medallists during a felicitation event on Friday. Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, and Sarabjot Singh were honoured for their achievements. Manu, who made history by winning two medals in a single Olympic Games post-Independence, received Rs 45 lakh. Kusale was awarded Rs 30 lakh for his individual bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event, while Sarabjot got Rs 15 lakh for his bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event with Manu.

Recognition for Achievements

Manu also secured a bronze in the women's 10m air pistol event, becoming the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal. The entire Indian shooting squad for the Paris Olympics attended the ceremony. Besides the medallists, other squad members were honoured with mementos by the NRAI, which governs shooting sports in India.

Support Staff Felicitated

The support staff, including Dr. Pierre Beauchamp (High Performance Director), Thomas Farnik (foreign rifle coach), Munkhbyar Dorjsuren (foreign pistol coach), Samresh Jung (national pistol coach 10m), and Manoj Kumar (national rifle coach 50m), were also recognised with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each. Their contributions were acknowledged as crucial to the team's success.

Olympic Council of Asia President Randhir Singh, NRAI chief Kalikesh Singh Deo, and London Olympic medallists Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang were present at the event. Narang also served as the chef-de-mission for the Indian contingent at the Paris Games.

Singh Deo expressed pride in the shooters and support staff, stating, "Our shooters and coaches and the entire support staff have done the country proud. They have proven that they are second to none in this sport, which is no mean achievement." He emphasised that their performance would inspire new shooting talent across India.

He also praised the NRAI team for their hard work under pressure. "Congratulations are also in order for the entire team at NRAI, who have worked so hard to deliver under immense pressure," he said. The fairness of their Olympic plans and high-performance support ensured that the best shooters were selected for the Games.

Singh Deo thanked the government and relevant authorities for their assistance in preparing the shooters. "Of course, it would have never been possible without the tremendous support and guidance that we receive from the SAI, the Ministry of Sports and from the highest echelons of the Government of India," he added.

The ceremony highlighted India's growing prowess in shooting sports and celebrated those who contributed to this success.