Road To Paris 2024: Recent International Performances Of Reliance Foundation Athletes
As the countdown to the Paris Olympics intensifies, Reliance Foundation athletes are demonstrating remarkable form on the global stage. Their recent international performances highlight their growing momentum and determination to shine in the world's most prestigious sporting event.
Athletics
Gulveer Singh
Asian Games 10,000 m bronze medallist Gulveer Singh continues to rewrite national records. He broke the national 5,000 m record at the Portland Track Festival in Oregon, USA, clocking an impressive 13:18.92. This surpassed Avinash Sable's previous record of 13:19.30. Earlier this year, at The Ten Track meet in California, he shattered the national 10,000 m record with a time of 27:41.81, bettering Surender Singh's 2008 mark of 28:02.89.
Animesh Kujur
Young sprinter Animesh Kujur has made significant strides on the international scene, clinching his first international medal with a silver in the 200m at the BRICS Games, clocking 20.79 seconds. His journey, marked by his association with English coach Martin Owens at the Odisha Reliance Foundation Athletics HPC, has been transformative. Kujur’s remarkable time of 20.62 seconds to win the 200m gold at the Federation Cup in Bhubaneshwar, the second-best ever by an Indian, sets him up as a sprinter to watch.
Boxing
Tokyo 2020 bronze medallist Lovlina Borgohain secured a silver medal in the women's 75kg category at the Grand Prix 2024 in the Czech Republic. Despite a challenging round-robin format, Lovlina showcased her resilience, winning a crucial bout against England's Chantal Reid and putting up a valiant effort against top competitors. Her performances reflect her readiness to compete at the highest level in Paris.
Wrestling
U-23 World Champion Reetika Hooda, a key contender for Paris 2024, won silver in the women’s 76kg category at the Budapest Ranking Series. Her decisive 4-0 victory over Genesis Reasco of Ecuador and close matches against other top competitors highlight her preparation and potential for Olympic success. Reetika's victories against Olympic-bound wrestlers underline her form for the upcoming challenge as she faces three opponents she overcame, again in Paris.
Shooting
In shooting, Bhowneesh Mehndiratta impressed with a fourth-place finish in the men’s trap final at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup in Lonato. His consistent performance with 123 hits in the qualification rounds underscored his competitive edge, but a podium-finish could have possibly earned him that much-needed push for final Olympic squad.
Skeet Shooter Ganemat Sekhon although finished lower in the standings in the Women’s skeet final at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup, her participation reflects the depth of talent in India's shooting squad.
As Paris 2024 approaches, Reliance Foundation athletes continue to display their consistency and talent on the international stage. Their recent performances provide a glimpse into their potential for Olympic success, making them athletes to watch in the coming months.
Your Comments