It was a digital who’s who of India’s capturing on the Dr Karni Singh Shooting vary on Saturday. Olympians Manu Bhaker and Anjum Moudgil, and World Championship Silver medallist Anish Bhanwala gave away medals on the inaugural Khelo India Para Games winners, however they didn’t go away empty-handed themselves. The troika of Indian shooters, all aspiring to play on the Paris 2024 Olympics maybe returned with a much bigger prize – the inspiration and motivation they want because the race heats up for the Summer Games.

Admiring the psychological tenacity, the unyielding enthusiasm, and the sheer braveness and can energy of the para shooters, Anjum Moudgil felt she realized a brand new lesson with every interplay.

“I am really happy that I got this opportunity to present the medals to Para winners. I look up to them. They are examples of what passion, determination, and not going by excuses are like. I look up to them and it’s a privilege to present medals to them today,” the Arjuna Awardee, mentioned after the prize distribution ceremony.

Anjum who received the Silver medal on the 2018 Commonwealth Games in 50m Rifle 3 Positions, additional praised the para shooters for his or her optimistic mindset and mentioned that she hopes that Indian shooters and para shooters can stand collectively in Paris.

“I am constantly inspired by each and everything about the para-athletes. They do not make excuses despite all the struggles that they and their family have been through. They are still here each day and they train with us here at Karni Singh Shooting Range. It’s so good to see their positivity. It is a motivation for us able-bodied shooters as we prepare for Paris. I am looking forward to Paris and I hope we can share the podium with the Para Shooters,” she added.

Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker, who has already earned a quota for the Paris Olympics within the Women’s 25m pistol occasion after ending fifth on the Asian Shooting Championships 2023 in Changwon, South Korea, defined what makes the para shooters mentally harder than able-bodied shooters.

“Para athletes are mentally stronger than us because they have more problems to face which they overcome. And then to win a medal for the country is a huge achievement. I find motivation in the same. Whenever I speak to them, I get inspired, and hence, I love to speak with them and train alongside them,” the 7-time ISSF World Cup Gold Medal-winning shooter mentioned.

Bhaker additional mentioned, “Truly, it is an honour for me to give the medals away to the winners. I am so happy – as these athletes inspire us all to overcome all the obstacles in life.”

Meanwhile, Anish Bhanwala, who not too long ago turned the primary Indian shooter since 2012 to realize an Olympic quota within the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol occasion, defined how seeing the para athletes helps him put together for Paris.

“I met with all the para athletes here and they are motivated to perform in Paris next year. They have already started preparing for the same. Despite being physically challenged, they are doing a lot of hard work and training. It’s a great environment here at Karni Singh Shooting Range. Their dedication is quite inspiring for us as well and motivates us to do our best,” the 2018 Commonwealth Games Gold medalist mentioned.

Anish additional summed up how the Khelo India Para Games medal ceremony will assist him on the street to Paris. “I am used to standing at the podium and taking medals. Today, I was honoured that I was invited to give away the medals to the para shooters. Seeing the medalists, I am truly inspired and now that I have earned an Olympic quota, I will work hard to prepare and be ready for Paris.”