Palak Gulia, an 18-year-old prodigy in the world of shooting, has made headlines by securing a quota for the Paris 2024 Olympics in the 10m air pistol event. This achievement marks a significant milestone in her career and adds another feather to the cap of Indian shooting.
How did Palak Gulia chase her dreams?
Born into a family where her father, Joginder Singh Gulia, runs a construction business in Faridabad, Palak’s journey into the world of shooting began when she was taken to Rakesh’s academy in Faridabad and Ballabgarh for training. A bright student, Palak chose to focus on her shooting and the Olympic qualifiers.
Her decision bore fruit when she clinched a Paris Olympics quota place in the women’s 10m air pistol with a bronze medal finish at the Rio World Cup. She finished with an overall score of 217.6 to secure the third position. This achievement ensured that India will have full allocation in both rifle and pistol shooting events at Paris 2024.
🚨 Palak Gulia has secured Air Pistol Women's 2nd Quota at #Paris2024
India has won 16/16 Quota in Pistol & Rifle Shooting 🤩
Brilliant Performance by Team India 🇮🇳❤️#ISSF #Olympics2024 #OlympicQualifier pic.twitter.com/xB7OtbZ3fk
— The Khel India (@TheKhelIndia) April 14, 2024
Palak’s performance in the final was commendable. Despite a slow start where she was joint-sixth with compatriot Sainyam, she climbed the competitive field to secure the Olympic quota. Her resilience and determination were evident as she bounced back during the elimination stage.
This achievement by Palak Gulia is not just a personal victory but also a moment of pride for India. It marks India’s second Olympic quota in the event following the one won by Esha Singh. With this, India has swept all possible 16 Olympic quota places for the Paris Games, in rifle and pistol.
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