The Indian skeet team, consisting of Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka, has secured a spot in the bronze medal match at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
This notable achievement marks a historic first for India in skeet shooting, demonstrating the duo's exceptional performance and resilience in the qualification rounds.

Maheshwari and Anantjeet scored 146 across five rounds. The Chinese pair of Jiang Yiting and Lyu Jianlin also finished with the same score but took third place after defeating the Indians 4-3 in the qualification shoot-off.
India will face China in the next challenge. The bronze medal match between India and China is scheduled for 6:30 PM IST on Monday, August 5. This match is not just an opportunity for the Indian skeet team to win a medal but also a chance to make a mark in Olympic history. The competition will be fierce, and the Indian duo will rely on their training, focus, and teamwork to overcome the Chinese challenge.
The qualification rounds were a true test of skill and precision for Chauhan and Naruka. In the first stage, the Indian pair tied for second place with a commendable score of 49, sharing the spot with teams from Australia, Korea, France, and two Italian teams.
Naruka showcased his sharp shooting skills, scoring a perfect 25 out of 25, while Chauhan closely followed with a score of 24 out of 25. This combined effort brought India's total to 49 in the first round.
As the competition progressed into the second round, Maheshwari continued her stellar performance, achieving a perfect score of 25. However, Naruka faced some challenges, missing two shots in both the 2nd and 5th series, which resulted in a total score of 23 for the round. This brought their aggregate score to 48, placing them in a competitive position as they moved into the third round.
In the decisive third round, the Indian pair regained their form, scoring 49 points. Maheshwari maintained her consistency with another perfect 25, and Naruka, slightly off his earlier perfect score, managed 24 out of 25. This impressive performance resulted in a total qualification score of 146, tying them with China and securing their place in the bronze medal match.
For the first time in India's Olympic skeet shooting history, the team reached the medal match. This milestone was achieved after an intense qualification round that saw India and China both scoring a total of 146 points.
To determine the final qualification standing and the bib number for the final, a shoot-off was conducted. Maheshwari displayed exceptional skill throughout, hitting 74 out of 75 targets, while Naruka contributed significantly with a score of 72 out of 75.
The tie with China set the stage for a highly anticipated bronze medal match, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. Facing a formidable Chinese team, the Indian pair will need to bring their A-game to clinch the bronze medal.
Maheshwari Chauhan and Anantjeet Singh Naruka have proven to be a formidable pair throughout the qualification rounds. Maheshwari's near-perfect performance, hitting 74 out of 75 targets, showcases her exceptional precision and consistency. Anantjeet's contribution, with a score of 72 out of 75, underscores his skill and determination, despite facing some challenges in the second round.
Their combined efforts have brought India to this crucial juncture, and their performance in the qualification rounds indicates that they have the potential to secure the bronze medal. The Indian team will need to maintain their focus and composure under the high-pressure environment of the bronze medal match.