Stories
World Champion Shooter Rudrankksh Patil Questions Arjuna Award Snub: 'It Is Very Funny'
- •Indian shooter Rudrankksh Patil, a world champion, expressed frustration over not receiving the Arjuna Award despite applying for three consecutive years.
- •Patil raised the issue after winning bronze in the men’s 10m air rifle final at the Asian Games, highlighting his extensive achievements including world and Asian titles, World Cup victories, and two spells as world No. 1.
- •He stated that he had avoided public comment previously, believing the decision was out of his hands, but hopes the country appreciates his medal wins.
- •Patil also discussed recent career setbacks, including inconsistent performances, missing the 2023 World Championships as defending champion, and an unusual rifle auto-fire incident at the Peru World Cup.
- •He admitted that excitement and an 'accumulation of all the negative things' from the past contributed to his slip from gold contention to bronze at the Asian Games.
Key Questions Answered
Rudrankksh Patil questioned why he has not received the Arjuna Award despite being a world champion and having applied for the honour for three consecutive years. He pointed to his extensive achievements, including world and Asian titles, multiple world records, and two spells as world No. 1.
Rudrankksh Patil won the bronze medal in the men’s 10m air rifle final at the Asian Games after slipping from a strong leading position following a 9.7 in the closing stages.
Patil stated that an accumulation of negative experiences over six months affected his confidence, including inconsistent World Cup performances, difficulties in training, and missing the 2023 World Championships. He also noted an unusual setback at the Peru World Cup where his rifle auto-fired during the final.
