A Celebration of India’s Olympic Shooting Stars
In a heartwarming tribute to India’s shooting talent, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) teamed up with Pernod Ricard India to host an elegant felicitation ceremony at Kamal Mahal, ITC Maurya, New Delhi. Co-hosted by Titus & Co., Advocates, the evening was dedicated to celebrating the remarkable achievements of the Indian Olympic Shooting Team, who proudly brought home bronze medals from the Paris 2024 Olympics. The event was graced by a gathering of esteemed sports icons, including Abhinav Bindra, and other distinguished personalities from various fields.
Raja Randhir Singh, Chairman of the Olympic Council of Asia, and P.T. Usha, President of the Indian Olympic Association, took a moment to applaud the athletes for their unwavering dedication and stellar performances. The NRAI proudly recognized Manu Bhaker for her incredible feat of securing two bronze medals in both Individual and Team events, Swapnil Kusale for his bronze in the Individual Rifle category, and Sarabjot Singh for his contribution to the Team event’s bronze victory. The athletes stood tall as they received their accolades, bringing immense pride to the nation.
“We take immense pride in our shooters, whose exceptional skill and determination have shone brightly at the Olympic Games. Their achievements are a true testament to the dedication and hard work of not only the athletes but also their coaches and support teams. At NRAI, we remain unwavering in our commitment to providing the resources and training necessary for our athletes to reach even greater heights,” shared Kalikesh Singh Deo, Officiating President of NRAI.
Echoing these sentiments, K Sultan Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, reflected, “Leading the Indian shooting team has been one of the greatest honors. Their remarkable accomplishments at the Paris 2024 Olympics reflect their hard work, perseverance, and unparalleled skill. It is truly inspiring to see our athletes excel on the global stage, bringing pride and recognition to our nation. At NRAI, we are dedicated to supporting them with the resources and guidance they need to achieve even more. Their success is a testament to their dedication and the collective effort of everyone involved in their journey. We are immensely proud of their achievements and will continue to stand by them as they pursue their future goals.”
Prasanna Mohile, President of External Affairs at Pernod Ricard India, emphasized the power of collaboration in advancing sports, stating, “This event celebrates not just individual excellence but also the power of teamwork and collective support. At Pernod Ricard India, we are committed to making a positive impact within our community, and supporting our athletes is a vital part of this mission. We look forward to continuing this partnership and witnessing even greater achievements in the future.”
The ceremony began on an inspiring note with Diljeet Titus, Founder of Titus & Co., Advocates, highlighting the importance of nurturing athletic talent and the community’s role in supporting athletes. “It is a privilege to be part of this celebration, honoring the incredible achievements of our shooting team. Their dedication and commitment are truly inspiring, and it is our responsibility as a community to encourage and support them in their growth. I congratulate each of them for making India proud on the world stage,” Titus remarked.
Anjali Nayyar, Executive Vice President of Global Health Strategies, emphasized the vital connection between health and sports, sharing, “Sports and health are closely connected. Sports prevent non-communicable diseases and enhance physical abilities like hand-eye coordination and functional mobility. More importantly, they foster mental discipline and self-regulation, enabling people to improve their quality of life and well-being. Sportspersons are icons. We are grateful to them not only for the honor they bring to our country but also for how they set an example for people, societies, and communities on how to live better, disciplined, and healthy lives.”
The grand event was made possible with the support of Campari, PS Intelegencia, Deneb & Pollux, Avyay Legal, Juggernaut, Global Health Strategies, OSIA, ITC Hotel, and Sanjay Yadav. This prestigious gathering shone a light on the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, and organizations dedicated to advancing shooting sports in India. The NRAI, Pernod Ricard India, and Titus & Co., Advocates reaffirmed their commitment to fostering excellence in sports and supporting Indian athletes as they set their sights on even greater success at the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles 2028.
