Assam’s Hriday Hazarika wins gold medal in 10m Air Rifle men’s category (junior) at the World Shooting Championship in South Korea’s Changwon. With this feat he becomes the new junior world champion in 10m Air Rifle.
16-year-old Hazarika, had a score of 250.1 in finals which is 0.1 behind world record.
Hazarika and Iran’s Amir Neokounam both ended tied at 250.1 points, taking the final into a shootoff. Both of them missed the world record by an incredible 0.1 point.
The first shot in the shootoff decided the gold medal with a difference of just 0.1 point as Hazarika shot a 10.3 and Nekounam 10.2.
Hazarika shot some incredible final few shots to climb from the fourth position to first before taking the final into a shootoff. He was the lone Indian to qualify for the final with a score of 627.3.
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Youth Affairs and Sports, Col. Rajyavardhan Rathore, took to twitter to congratulate Hriday on this feat.
The Indian team, comprising Hazarika, Divyansh Panwar and Arjun Babuta, finished fourth in the event with a combined total of 1872.3.
He hails from Narayanpur in Lakhimpur district and started his career at Sankardev College shooting range. He has already participated in three national championships, two zonal competition, one GV Mavlangkar shooting competition, two KSS shooting championships and a few others.
He also regularly practices shooting at Assam Rifle and Shooting Association shooting range under the guidance of Bhaba Kalita, secretary of the State shooting body.
Hriday Hazarika continues to shine in shooting championships.