In a nail-biting finish at the Paris 2024 Olympics, Indian shooter Arjun Babuta delivered an inspiring performance in the men’s 10m air rifle final, securing a commendable fourth place. Babuta ended the final with a score of 208.4 after 20 shots, just shy of a medal position. The bronze medal was clinched by Croatia’s Maricic Miran, who amassed an overall score of 230 following 22 shots.
Qualification Round Heroics
Arjun Babuta’s journey to the final was nothing short of remarkable. In the qualification round, he finished 7th with an impressive score of 630.1, showcasing his skill and determination. Babuta’s consistent performance highlighted his potential to be a formidable competitor on the global stage.
Support and Preparation: The Road to Paris
Arjun Babuta’s success is a testament to the robust support system provided by various governmental schemes. As a beneficiary of the Khelo India Scholarship and the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), Babuta received substantial assistance, which played a crucial role in his preparation for the Olympics.
Key interventions included weapon upgradation at the Walter Factory in Germany and financial assistance for training camps and participation in international competitions. Specifically, he received Rs. 18,15,574 under TOPS and Rs. 1,09,37,561 under the Annual Calendar for Training and Competition (ACTC). These efforts culminated in a rigorous training regimen under coach Deepali Deshpande at the SAI, Bangalore.
Stellar Achievements on the International Stage
Arjun Babuta has consistently demonstrated his prowess in shooting, with notable achievements including:
– **Asian Championship, Korea (2023):** Silver medal in the 10m air rifle individual event, securing an Olympics 2024 quota place for India.
– **World Championship, Cairo (2022):** Gold medal in the 10m air rifle team event.
– **ISSF World Cup, Changwon (2022):** Two gold medals in individual and men’s team events.
– **World University Games, Chengdu (2021):** Gold medal in the 10m air rifle individual event.
Inspiring Background: From Humble Beginnings to International Success
Hailing from a middle-class family in the Jalalabad region of Punjab, Arjun Babuta’s journey began in a small village near the India-Pakistan border. His family later moved to Chandigarh, where his father worked for Indian Railways. Babuta pursued his education at DAV College in Chandigarh, earning a BA Honors degree.
His passion for shooting was ignited when he sought guidance from Olympic shooter Abhinav Bindra, which led him to coach Colonel J.S. Dhillon. Under Dhillon’s mentorship, Babuta began training in the 10m air rifle category and won his first medal at the Chandigarh State Shooting Championship in 2013. His dedication and relentless training, often spanning 10 hours a day, propelled him to the national team and eventually to international acclaim.
Despite facing setbacks due to health issues in 2018, Babuta’s resilience saw him return stronger, winning numerous medals in world tournaments and becoming a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes.
A Future Full of Promise
As Arjun Babuta continues to hone his skills at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, his journey from a small village to the world stage serves as a powerful reminder of what dedication, support, and relentless pursuit of excellence can achieve. The Paris 2024 Olympics may have seen him miss out on a podium finish, but his future in the sport looks brighter than ever.
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