Anish Bhanwala: The Rising Star of Indian Shooting
Indian shooter Anish Bhanwala, a young prodigy in the world of shooting, has always been in the spotlight for his exceptional skills and determination. Born on September 26, 2002, in Karnal, Haryana, Anish’s journey has been nothing short of inspiring.
His participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics was highly anticipated, and although he faced setbacks, his performance remains a testament to his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Early Beginnings
Anish’s foray into shooting began with the modern pentathlon, a multi-discipline event that includes shooting. His natural talent for shooting quickly became evident. By age 11, Anish had competed in the Modern Pentathlon World Championship in Cyprus. This early exposure to international competition laid the foundation for his future success.
Anish Bhanwala Family and Mentorship
Behind every successful athlete is a supportive family, and Anish’s story is no different. His father, recognizing his son’s potential, went to great lengths to nurture Anish’s talent. He even borrowed a pistol for Anish to practice at a local shooting range.
Anish’s elder sister, Muskan Bhanwala, is also a celebrated shooter, having won individual and team gold medals at the ISSF Junior World Cup in 2018. The Bhanwala siblings have created a legacy in Indian shooting, inspiring many young athletes across the country.
A significant influence in Anish’s career has been DSP Harpreet Singh, a decorated shooter and gold medalist at the Commonwealth Games. Harpreet Singh has been a guiding force in Anish’s career since they met at a National Championship in 2015. Under his mentorship, Anish has honed his skills and consistently delivered outstanding performances.
Achievements and Records
Anish’s rapid rise in the shooting world is remarkable. At just 15 years old, he made history at the 2018 Commonwealth Games by winning a gold medal in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event. This achievement not only made him the youngest Indian to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games but also marked the beginning of a promising career.
In 2017, Anish clinched two golds, two silvers, and a bronze at the ISSF Junior World Championship, setting a new world record in the 25m Standard Pistol event.
His success continued in 2018, where he, alongside his sister Muskan, won individual gold and team silver at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Sydney, underscoring the sibling duo’s dominance in the shooting arena.
In subsequent years, Anish continued to shine on the international stage. He won gold at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Germany in 2019 and set a new national record at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi. His performance at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo in 2023 earned him an individual bronze medal, further cementing his reputation as one of India’s top shooters.
Challenges and Perseverance
Despite his achievements, Anish’s journey has not been without challenges. The highly competitive nature of shooting demands relentless practice and mental fortitude.
Anish has faced setbacks, such as narrowly missing out on the finals at the Paris 2024 Olympics. However, his resilience and determination to succeed have kept him focused on his goals.
Anish Bhanwala: The Paris 2024 Olympics Journey
Anish Bhanwala’s journey to the Paris 2024 Olympics was marked by rigorous preparation and high expectations. Competing in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol event, Anish was determined to make his mark on the world stage. His journey began with a strong performance in the initial rounds.
During the qualifications, Anish started strong, displaying his usual precision and calm under pressure. Ranked seventh after the first stage, his hopes of making it to the finals were high.
Sending our best wishes to Anish Bhanwala & Vijayveer Sidhu as they represent India in the Shooting- Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol at the Paris 2024 Olympics!
India is cheering for you! Do watch it! 📺#UGC #ParisOlympics #ParisOlympics2024 #Olympics #Olympics2024 #Paris2024… pic.twitter.com/f8fHEkOoTd
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) August 4, 2024
However, the second stage proved to be challenging. A subpar score of 93 in stage 2 resulted in Anish finishing 13th overall with a score of 582-22x, falling short of the top-six finish required to advance to the final round.
This setback ended his Olympic campaign in Paris, but it did not diminish his standing as a prominent figure in Indian shooting. Anish’s performance, although not leading to a medal, highlighted his competitive spirit and unwavering dedication to the sport.
His journey in Paris was a learning experience, adding to the wealth of knowledge and experience that he will undoubtedly use to fuel his future endeavours.
India’s Next big Rower
Anish Bhanwala’s journey is far from over. With his eyes set on future competitions, including the Olympics, he continues to train rigorously and push the boundaries of his capabilities. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes, demonstrating that with hard work, dedication, and the right support, anything is possible.
Anish Bhanwala’s remarkable journey from a young boy with a borrowed pistol to an international shooting star is a story of talent, perseverance, and family support. His participation in the Paris 2024 Olympics, despite its challenges, showcased his resilience and commitment to the sport.
As he continues to make waves in the world of shooting, Anish’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of Indian athletes to dream big and pursue their passions with unwavering determination.
Read More: Who is Nethra Kumanan: The Rise of an Indian Sailing Olympian
