LA Olympics 2028: Men's rapid-fire pistol event may go out of Los Angeles programme | Exclusive

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The fast and thrilling men's rapid-fire pistol event could well go out of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics programme. MyKhel has learnt that the ISSF (world shooting body) is asking for feedback from the shooters in case the event is changed from RPF (rapid) to sports pistol event, which is what the women shoot.

Manu Bhaker had finished fourth in the sports pistol event in the Paris 2024 Olympics after winning two bronze medals in the air and mixed event. In a chat with the website, Dronacharya Jaspal Rana said changes are necessary.

"I have got calls from some of the shooters I am training and they are worried should the rapid-fire pistol go out of the Olympics programme," said Rana. During his peak, Jaspal Rana would compete in five events and win medals in almost all. His legendary status can be seen from what he achieved for India in multiple Asian Games.

"Changes in shooting started happening long back. My mind goes back to the 1996 Atlanta Olympics where I competed when the lux intensity (light brightness reading) was increased to suit TV better. Yes, if rapid fire goes out and sports pistol comes in, the boys and men will be forced to adapt and make changes," he said.

A strong advocate of how pistol shooters must attain perfection in air pistol, a slow-fire event to excel in other events, Jaspal Rana felt excellence is a pursuit. "Sports pistol is faster. At the Asian Games next year in Nagoya, we may still see non-Olympic events like the centre-fire pistol and standard pistol. But the Olympics is the ultimate thing," added Rana. And when he says this, it is with authority, as coach of Manu Bhaker.

At the Paris 2024 Olympics, India had two rapid-fire pistol shooters, Anish Bhanwala and Vijayveer Sidhu. Both tried hard but could not make the final. "Yes, I am aware the ISSF is planning a change in rapid-fire pistols but we shooters have been asked for feedback from the ISSF Athletes Commission. If you ask me, I have shot rapid fire so long and I would be surprised. But if I have to accept the change and shoot sports pistol in the Olympics, I will do it," said Anish Bhanwala in an exclusive chat with MyKhel.

Bhanwala said he was focused on the present. "I am more than keen to do well in the National Games to be held in Dehradun at the new ranges. There is a lot of pride for me in this as well," said Bhanwala. At the same time, he said: "As I see it, rapid-fire pistol event is there in the ISSF World Cups this year, so we will have to wait and see. What will eventually happen before LA in I can't say," added Anish Bhanwala.

Explaining further, Jaspal Rana said that changes in any sporting discipline are going to happen. "Yes, in terms of TV visibility, sports pistol does look better. Ultimately, what matters is my sport stays in the Olympics. Who knows, even in future Commonwealth Games we will see shooting again," said the Dronacharya.

For those who may have forgotten, in the 2012 London Olympics, Vijay Kumar won a silver medal in the rapid-fire pistol event. He is a forgotten hero but what he did for India will remain etched in history. For the record, the National Rifle Association of India is also well aware of changes which the ISSF is considering.