Indian shooter Tilottama Sen has made the country proud by winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air rifle event at the ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) World Cup in Munich, Germany. She secured the third place in the competition by scoring a total of 229.6 points, behind the gold medalist, China’s Zhao Ruozhu (252.3), and the silver medalist, Serbia’s Andrea Arsovic (250.7).
Tilottama, who hails from West Bengal, started shooting in 2015 and has since then been making steady progress in the sport. She had earlier won a gold medal in the same event at the ISSF Junior World Cup held in 2017. However, this is her first senior-level medal at a World Cup event, and it has come as a big boost to her confidence.
Speaking after the event, Tilottama said, “I am very happy to win a medal in my first senior World Cup event. It was a tough competition, and I am grateful to my coaches, family, and friends who have supported me throughout my journey. This medal is a result of their hard work and encouragement.”
The women’s 10m air rifle event is one of the most competitive events in the shooting sport, and the ISSF World Cup is a prestigious competition that attracts some of the best shooters from around the world. Therefore, winning a medal in this event is a significant achievement for any shooter.
Tilottama’s success at the ISSF World Cup has also brought attention to the potential of Indian shooting as a sport. India has a rich history in shooting, with several world-class shooters such as Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, and Jitu Rai, among others, bringing laurels to the country in various international competitions. However, the sport has not received the recognition and support it deserves in the country, and many talented shooters have struggled to make ends meet due to lack of funding and support.
Tilottama’s success at the ISSF World Cup is a testament to the potential of Indian shooting, and it is hoped that her achievement will inspire more young shooters in the country to take up the sport and pursue excellence. The government and sports authorities also need to take note of the achievements of Indian shooters and provide them with the necessary support and resources to excel in the sport.