Paris gold medalist Liu Yukun from China talks about the development of shooting in India

Liu Yukun also shared why he believes Asian counties must be “one united family.”

Liu Yukun, gold medalist in the 50m 3-position event at the Paris Olympics, recalls his interaction with India’s Swapnil Kusale during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Both athletes stood on the podium in the men’s 50m 3-position rifle event, during which Yukun won gold and Kusale won the bronze medal.

Yukun, along with fellow Chinese shooters Li Yuehong and Jiang Ranxin, spoke to the Indian media just before the ISSF World Cup 2024 final. At the end of the tournament, China reaffirmed its global dominance by topping the medal table with five gold and three bronze medals.

During the discussion, the Chinese shooters also touched on several important topics, including their thoughts on the popularity of Indian shooters, how they handle pressure situations and the increasing competition from other Asian countries.

Liu Yukun’s meeting with India’s Swapnil Kusale at the Paris Olympics

Khel Now had the opportunity to ask Yukun about his interaction with Indian shooter Swapnil Kusale during the Paris Olympics 2024. On their interaction, he said, “We cheered and encouraged each other.”

The 27-year-old also talked about his phenomenal 2024 season, in which he broke the world record twice in two days at the ISSF Baku World Cup. In his first competition, he broke the world record, scoring 467.3 points.

Two days later, he broke his own world record again, scoring 468.9 points. After winning the gold medal in Paris, he fell short of a medal and finished fourth in the final held in New Delhi, India.

He added of his record-breaking season: “I just tried to focus on myself, give my all and not focus too much on the final results.”

Read also: Five interesting facts about 2024 Paris Olympics medalist Swapnil Kusala

A view of Indian shooters as players and their progress over the years

Li Yuehong, a three-time Olympic medalist, including gold in Paris in the 25m rapid fire pistol, has observed that Indian shooters are improving faster. He said, “The Indian shooting team has achieved rapid development in the history of shooting.”

He further said, “Indian shooters are really strong players. I am glad that the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has set high technical standards for its shooters.”

Being mentally strong in stressful situations

Chinese athletes are known for their composure during international competitions. During their Zoom interaction, they were asked how they stay calm while competing.

Then, two-time Olympic medalist Jiang Ranxin talked about the strategy Chinese shooters used during the competition. She stated: “There is actually no secret to staying mentally strong during competitions. We just try not to focus too much on the end results, but focus on ourselves. Try to bring out the best in yourself.”

Read also: NRAI launches first-ever Indian shooting league; inaugural edition probably in 2025

Growing competition and challenges from other Asian countries

Chinese shooters, including Yuehong, believed that Asian countries were making greater progress and progress across the board, especially in rifle and pistol competitions.

Recalling his first Olympic gold (he previously won two bronzes in 2016 and 2020 at the Summer Olympics), he said: “I think such progress suggests that Asia has put a lot of effort into shooting sports, we have made such painstaking efforts to do the training. I must say that what we have achieved depends on the efforts of the entire team.

However, the experienced shooter believed that Asian countries must “act like a united family.” “We should unite, cooperate and make resolute efforts to achieve more glory for Asia in the future,” he also mentioned.

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