NRAI felicitates Paris Olympic medallists, gives cash awards

NEW DELHI: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) organized a felicitation ceremony to honour the achievements of Indian shooters at the Paris Olympics.

The event recognized the outstanding performances of Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, and Sarabjot Singh, who secured bronze medals in their respective events.

Manu Bhaker, who etched her name in history as the first Indian shooter to win two medals in a single Olympic Games after Independence, was awarded a cash prize of Rs 45 lakh. Her remarkable feat included a bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event, making her the first Indian woman shooter to claim an Olympic medal.

Swapnil Kusale, who clinched a historic individual bronze in the men's 50m rifle 3 positions event, received a cash award of Rs 30 lakh.

Sarabjot Singh, who partnered with Manu Bhaker to secure a bronze in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, was honoured with a cash prize of Rs 15 lakh.

The felicitation ceremony was attended by the entire Indian shooting squad that participated in the Paris Olympics.

While the medallists received cash awards, the other members of the squad were presented with mementoes by the NRAI, the governing body for shooting in the country.

Notable dignitaries present at the event included Olympic Council of Asia President Randhir Singh, NRAI chief Kalikesh Singh Deo, and London Olympic medallists Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang, who served as the Indian contingent's chef-de-mission at the Paris Games.

The support staff, including Dr Pierre Beauchamp (High Performance Director), Thomas Farnik (foreign rifle coach), Munkhbyar Dorjsuren (foreign pistol coach), Samresh Jung (national pistol coach 10m), and Manoj Kumar (national rifle coach 50m), were also felicitated with a cash prize of Rs 5 lakh each for their contributions.