Palak Gulia, the current Asian Games champion, secured India’s 20th quota spot for the Paris Olympics in Shooting by claiming bronze in the women’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF Final Olympic Qualification Championship Rifle/Pistol in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Despite a shaky start in the 24-shot final, the teenager demonstrated remarkable composure to steadily climb the ranks and finish with a score of 217.6, bowing out after the 22nd shot. Armenia’s Elmira Karapetyan earned gold, with Thai teenager Kamonlak Saencha taking silver and the second available quota spot. Palak and Sainyam advanced to the eight-woman final, with all finalists except Karapetyan eligible to claim quota spots.
Despite initial struggles, both Indian shooters performed well under pressure, as Saencha and the experienced Veronika Major of Hungary showcased excellent shooting early on. Palak and Sainyam initially struggled to move up the ranks but gained momentum as Major faltered. Palak took the lead over Major before securing the quota spot. Karapetyan secured the final quota spot with her performance, while Saencha faltered in the last shot.