NEW DELHI: Jaypal Malviya announced his arrival on the big stage with a breakthrough silver medal in the men's 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Championships in Doha on Thursday, securing India's first shooting quota for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The shooter from Madhya Pradesh produced a composed performance in the eight-man final, scoring 242.2 points to finish second behind China's Kai Hu, who clinched gold with 243.9. Czechia's Jindrich Dubovy took bronze with 220.9.
The silver was doubly significant for India as it brought the country's first Olympic quota in shooting for the Los Angeles Games. Malviya's achievement also marked a major breakthrough in his young career, having made his mark on the national circuit only recently.
"The environment is great. The crowd was very loud and motivated me. I would like to thank the federation, SAI, OGQ and the MP and Indian government. I am grateful to Samaresh Jung sir. I feel great that I could bring the quota and medal to the country," Malviya said after the final.
Malviya holds nerve in tense final