How did Vijayveer Sidhu qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024?
Vijayveer Sidhu is set to compete in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol event at the Paris 2024 Olympics along with teammate Anish Bhanwala. Following a successful junior career, the 22-year-old has earned scores of medals in the senior circuits and now looks to add an Olympic medal to his tally.
Vijayveer was among the last Indian shooters to earn an Olympic quota. He won the silver medal at the 2024 Asian Shooting Championships with a score of 577 to earn India’s second Olympic quota in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol.
Following the Asian Championships triumph, Vijayveer Sidhu arrived at the Olympic Selection Trials with high confidence. The 21-year-old improved his scores, placing second in the four-stage trials with a final average score of 581.40. The first place was won by Anish Bhanwala with a final average score of 585.13. Both the Olympic quota winners are now set to represent India at the Paris 2024 Paris.
The 22-year-old made his senior debut at the 2021 ISSF World Cup in Delhi. Vijayveer won a silver medal in the men's 25m rapid-fire pistol in the first competition of his senior career and was also part of the silver and gold-winning rapid-fire pistol teams, men's and mixed, respectively.
Can Vijayveer Sidhu win a medal in Paris Olympics 2024?
Vijayveer Sidhu has earned massive success in the junior circuits. He has followed it up in the senior circuits, and despite not scoring above the mark of 580 regularly, he has been showing improvement over the last year.
However, Vijayveer will need to improve his scores to 585 to stand a chance for a medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Although he has registered those scores multiple times, the 22-year-old hasn't been consistent. It would be interesting to see if the pressure of the big stage brings the best out of him.