Bihar: At the ongoing Khelo India Youth Games 2025 at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, Bihar’s Divya Shri and Rudra Pratap Singh made history on Friday by securing the bronze medal in the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team Youth category. In a nail-biting contest, they triumphed 16-14 over Uttar Pradesh’s Ananya and Ansh Dabas, marking a significant achievement for Bihar’s young athletes.
A Nail-Biting Encounter
The match kicked off with high energy, as both teams fought fiercely for the lead. Bihar took an early advantage in the first four rounds, with Divya Shri’s consistency playing a crucial role. Scoring impressive rounds of 20.8, 20.3, and 20.5, Divya’s focused performance gave Bihar the early edge, while Rudra Pratap Singh found his rhythm by the fourth round, holding strong through the middle stages.
Uttar Pradesh, with Ananya and Ansh, kept the pressure on, but Bihar maintained its lead with a solid performance through to the 13th round. The match was tied at 13-13 as the final round loomed, setting the stage for a thrilling conclusion.
Historic Turn in the Final Round
In the penultimate round, Bihar once again pulled ahead, with UP’s Ananya scoring 20.9 and Bihar answering with 21.0, pushing the score to 15-13. The final round saw both teams scoring 20.6, each securing one point, which sealed the match at 16-14 in Bihar’s favor. The Bihar camp erupted in celebration as the final score appeared on the screen, marking a historic win.
Coach Praises the Duo’s Composure Under Pressure
Bihar’s coach praised Divya and Rudra for their exceptional mental resilience and teamwork under pressure. “This victory is a result of hard work, discipline, and mental resilience. Divya and Rudra performed exceptionally well under pressure. This is just the beginning of shooting sports in Bihar,” the coach said.
Divya Shri (Shooter, Bihar)
“This medal is dedicated to every athlete in our state who dares to dream big despite limited resources.”
Rudra Pratap Singh (Shooter, Bihar)
“Facing a strong team like UP wasn’t easy. I felt some pressure in the early rounds, but Divya’s consistency boosted my confidence. As the match progressed, we began thinking like a team. In the final five rounds, I kept telling myself—this chance doesn’t come often.”
Key Highlights of Bihar’s Victory:
- Bihar’s team scored a high of 21.6 in one round.
- The duo secured 9 points in the last five rounds, showcasing excellent teamwork and focus.
