Dhanush Srikanth gave India a sensational start at the Tokyo Deaflympics by winning gold in the men’s10m air rifle event, setting a new Deaf Final World Record with a score of252.2.
His teammate Mohammed Murtaza Vania secured silver with250.1, while South Korea’s Baek Seunghak claimed bronze.
In the women’s air rifle, Mahit Sandhu won silver and Komal Waghmare bronze, marking India’s best-ever opening day in shooting at the Deaflympics. Dhanush’s performance was widely praised for its excellence and resilience.
India’s at Tokyo Deaflympics
India’s campaign at the Tokyo Deaflympics began with a historic double podium in the men’s10m air rifle event. Dhanush Srikanth, a 23-year-old from Hyderabad, set a new Deaf Final World Record with252.2 points in the final, defending his title from the2022 Deaflympics.
His compatriot Mohammed Murtaza Vania finished second with250.1, while South Korea’s Baek Seunghak took bronze with223.6. In the women’s event, Mahit Sandhu clinched silver with250.5, and Komal Waghmare won bronze with228.3, making it a four-medal haul for India in shooting on the first day.
Dhanush Srikanth Shatters World Record
Dhanush qualified for the finals in first place with a score of630.6, breaking the Deaflympics qualification record. He shot consistently high scores throughout the final, edging out his teammate and the world champion’s recent ISSF World Championship score.
Dhanush, who has undergone two cochlear implant surgeries, trains at the National Centre of Excellence in Delhi and has previously won multiple golds at international deaf competitions. His mother praised his determination, highlighting his fluctuating rankings and the encouragement this victory brings.
The women’s podium was also historic, with Sandhu and Waghmare becoming India’s first-ever women’s air rifle medalists at the Deaflympics.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Dhanush Srikanth’s gold medal win is a landmark achievement, not just for Indian shooting but for athletes with disabilities worldwide. The Logical Indian celebrates his resilience and skill, calling for greater recognition and support for athletes who overcome significant challenges.
News in Q&A
Q1: Who won gold in the men’s10m air rifle event at the Tokyo Deaflympics and what was their score?
Dhanush Srikanth won gold with a new Deaf Final World Record score of252.2 points.
Q2: Who were the other medalists in the men’s and women’s air rifle events?
In the men’s event, Mohammed Murtaza Vania won silver (250.1), and Baek Seunghak of South Korea took bronze (223.6). In the women’s event, Mahit Sandhu won silver (250.5), and Komal Waghmare claimed bronze (228.3).
Q3: What makes Dhanush Srikanth’s victory significant for India?
Dhanush’s win marks India’s best-ever opening day in shooting at the Deaflympics, with a historic double podium for both men and women, and sets a new world record for the Deaflympics.
Q4: What did officials and family members say about Dhanush’s achievement?
The NRAI praised Dhanush’s score, which surpassed the world champion’s recent ISSF World Championship score. His mother highlighted his resilience and determination, noting his fluctuating rankings and the encouragement this victory brings.
Q5: What’s next for Dhanush and the Indian shooting team at the Deaflympics?
Dhanush is set to compete in the10m air rifle mixed team event with Mahit Sandhu, presenting India with another strong medal opportunity.
