New Delhi: Team India wrapped its shooting campaign by securing an overall second place at the 24th Deaflympics 2021 in Caxias do Sul, Brazil. The team won three gold and two bronze medals. Ukraine finished ahead of the Indian contingent by securing 12 medals.
India ranks eight on the medals table with seven gold, one silver, and four bronze medals. India is participating for the first time, on the initiative by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
NRAI Secretary-general K. Sultan Singh said, “We at NRAI are very proud of the performance of our shooters at the 24th Deaflympics. 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 Raninder Singh also made it very clear from day one that there should be left no stone unturned in the preparations of the squad,” he added.
Dhanush Srikanth bagged two gold medals in the Men’s 10M Air Rifle and 10M Air Rifle Mixed competition, with Priyesha Deshmukh as partner in the mixed event.
Meanwhile, Abhinav Deshwal won third gold medal in the Men’s 10M Air Pistol event.
On the other hand, Vedika Sharma in the Women’s Air Pistol and Shourya Saini in the Men’s Air Rifle won bronze medals.
(Avya Mathur)