India’s performance at the Asian Games received a significant boost on Friday as the pistol shooting duo of Suruchi Singh and Kamaljeet clinched the country’s second gold medal. This victory marks a turning point for the shooting team, which had been struggling in the competition up to this point. The gold medal not only enhances India’s medal tally but also serves as redemption for a team that has faced challenges throughout the event.
After the first elimination on the 18th shot where Indonesia crashed out in fourth, the Indians had opened a massive 5.8-point lead over the field. The gap swelled to 7.1 two shots later. Going into the final two shots of the match, the Indians held a 7.2-point advantage over the Koreans.
However, as the final wore on, the Indians kept increasing the gap.
Earlier, the Indian pair entered the four-team final after topping qualification with 587 points, equaling the Asian record in qualification. Iran were next with 584 followed by South Korean pair that shot 582. Indonesia were the last to qualify with 580.
The medal came as a redemption of sorts for the pistol team, which has had an underwhelming run thus far. The star-studded team of Esha Singh, Suruchi Phogat and Manu Bhaker returned empty-handed while none of Kedarling Uchaganve, Aakash Bhardwaj or Kamaljeet could make the finals.
