"Shooting will get a lot more attention, which it deserves" - Rhythm Sangwan on impact of India's strong shooting contingent for Paris 2024 Olympics
Paris-bound Rhythm Sangwan believes that India taking its biggest-ever shooting contingent to the 2024 Olympics will have a positive impact on the sport in the country, bringing in 'a lot more attention' which will be well-deserved.
Sangwan is part of India's 21-member shooting contingent, much bigger than the 15 participants in Tokyo 2020. She'll compete in the 10m Air Pistol event in what will be her first Olympics, making up the three-women pistol team with Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh.
"Shooting will get a lot more attention, which it deserves," Sangwan told Sportskeeda on the sidelines of the launch of the Indian Olympic group's official ceremonial and playing kit in Delhi.
"And the shooters have been working and performing very well for the past few years so yes, it's for the best for the game," she added.
Sangwan earned her quota for Paris 2024 in January this year. A bronze medalist at the 25m pistol event at the Asian Shooting Championships in Jakarta, she's considered one of the most promising young talents in the country.
Last year, the triumvirate of Sangwa, Bhaker and Singh won the gold medal in the women’s 25m pistol team event at the Asian Games in China.
"All shooters will perform their utmost best" - Rhythm Sangwan
The 20-year-old admitted that she was working to improve her technical game but expressed confidence about the team's preparations for the mega event.
"It's going well. We were in Luxembourg for the past 15 days and we are going to go there again on the ninth. We are working hard," Sangwan said.
Naturally, with this much talent on display, the expectations from the group are high as India aims to beat its Tokyo 2020 medal tally of seven. However, Sangwan remained non-committal and reiterated the team's focus on preparation.
"All of the shooters are working very hard and I think they are going to perform their utmost best," the Haryana-born said.
The Paris Olympics 2024 will begin on July 26 and conclude on August 11.