Finding the Rhythm

Young gun from Haryana secures record 16th Olympic quota for India in shooting at the ongoing Asian Championship in Jakarta

- ANMOL GURUNG

IT has barely been two years since Rhythm Sangwan began competing at the elite level. Yet, she has become one of the most recognizable faces in Indian shooting.

Her nose for big scores and an ability to compete in two vital Olympic events with similar amounts of output has made her one of the key members of the team, especially ahead of the upcoming Paris Games.

But despite her talent and her visible aptitude for the sport, she has had to be patient.

In a sport that is defined by fine margins, Rhythm has had to endure some harsh realities in crunch moments, moments that have seen her miss out on potential medals in marquee competitions. During the Asian Games, where Indian shooters had a historic campaign, the team gold (25m pistol) masked her miss in the individual category. Moreover, despite her decent efforts at elite competitions, which included her shattering a Qualification World Record (women's 25m pistol), she was yet to earn an Olympic quota for the country.

But a talent like Rhythm cannot be denied for long.