NEW DELHI : 29 SEPTEMBER I Delhi's Kirti Gupta shot the gold medal in junior women’s trap, as she beat Lea Korban of Lebanon 34-32 in the final of Asian shotgun championship in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Taking lead early in the competition, Kirti asserted her ability in fading light in the evening, much to the delight of the Indian camp.
Hong Xinru of China (103) and Marziyeh Parvaresh Nia of Iran (106) had scored better in qualification, than Kirti, who mustered 101 following a series of 20, 21, 20, 19, 21. But, she was too good in the final.
Shakun Bhugra, the coach with the team on emergency duty praised Kirti for her splendid performance. ‘’Our former coach Marcello Dradi of Italy, who is now coaching the Chinese, was quite impressed watching the way Kirti shot the final’’, said Shakun, quite known for her strong discipline and ability to motivate the shooters.
Ayesha Khan and Preeti Rajak, the other two Indian girls shot identical scores of 93 and missed the final by one point. However, the Indian team managed to pin the silver, 10 points behind China. Interestingly, Lea Korban had shot 94 in qualification, but climbed to the silver in the final. The coach hoped for a good fare from the boys as Vishwa Kundu (70), Bhowneesh Mendiratta (69) and Vivaan Kapoor (66) were well placed after three rounds. The top six will make the final after two more rounds on Saturday.
Delhi State Rifle Association's secretary Rajiv Sharma congratulated Kirti and said she's continuously performing well. Jt. Secty Farid Ali and Treasurer Jaspal Singh Marwah expecting an Olympic quota from her and said ''Kirti is one of the top Trap women shooters in the country and she can achieve the highest level in shooting sport..
Kirti's father Amit Gupta who's also a notional level shooter said 'my daughter made me proud..
The results:
Junior women’s trap: 1. Kirti Gupta 34 (101), 2. Lea Korban 32 (94); 3. Hong Xinru 23 (103); 7. Ayesha Khan 93; 8. Preeti Rajak 93.
Team: 1. China 297; 2. India 287; 3. Kazakhstan 259.
