Haryana on top at Paris

PrashantNews

From Manu Bhaker to Neeraj Chopra, Haryana has stolen the show at the Paris Olympics.

With Chopra and Aman Sehrawat brining more laurels, girls and boys from Haryana have raced ahead bagging one silver and three bronze medals – all individuals in Paris.

Star pistol shooter Manu Bhaker, a native of Jhajjar in Haryana, became the first Indian in post independence era to win two medals in a single edition of the Olympics. She secured a bronze medal in the women’s 10m air pistol even becoming the first female shooter from India to win a medal at any Olympics. Later, she earned another bronze medal in the mixed 10m air pistol tam event.

Interestingly, Bhaker’s partner Sarabjot Singh in the mixed shooting event at Paris, was also born in Ambala area in Haryana.

Vinesh Phogat, who is hoping for silver medal despite being disqualified over her weight controversy, comes from a family of medal winning wrestlers. Vinesh became the first Indian woman to reach the final of any Olympics.

Despite throwing the season’s best throw, Chopra, who won silver medal in Paris, is the proud son of the Haryana soil.

Sehrawat who became the first Indian wrestler to win a medal in Paris, was also born in Haryana.

In the hockey team which won bronze, a couple of players like Abhishek and Sumit Walmiki hail from Haryana.

Swapnil Kusale is the only Indian individual medalist at Paris who does not represent Haryana. He is from Kohlapur in Maharashtra.

Commenting on the achievements of Haryana in sports particularly in the Paris Olympics, Charles Issac, a New Delhi-based senior journalist said “sportspersons from Haryana have emerged as crème-de-la-crème of India’s medals in disciplines like shooting and wrestling”. Other states can surely take a leaf out of Haryana’s book on how to promote sports and rear champions of the future for the greater glory of India at events like the Olympics, he added.