Lihao Sheng scripts history by smashing world record at Asian Games in men’s 10m air rifle as India’s Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar bags bronze
Lihao Sheng is possibly the most famous 18-year-old in China after incredible Asian Games performance.
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L to R: Hajun Park, Lihao Sheng, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Image Source: 看上虞看上虞/X)
Air rifle can be one of the most fascinating events to watch. At the Asian Games in Hangzhou on Monday, the individual final was truly world class where China’s own Lihao Sheng was in smoking form. The 18-year-old boy turned on the heat in front of his home crowds to gun down the world record as he scored 253.3 points in the final to pocket gold.
There were two Indians in the fray as well in the final, Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar and Rudrankksh Patil. In a top-class field where Ha Jun Park from South Korea was also ready to go full tilt, the quality of shooting was top-class.
Lihao Sheng is a well-known name in shooting circles and the kind of “cards” he shoots will probably make him the favorite even in the next Olympics in Paris in 2024. Yet, for the Indians in the fray to soak in the pressure and try hard was not bad.
At one stage, it was a straight fight between Aishwary and Rudrankksh for the third spot. The more experienced Aishwary pulled ahead in the closing stages. His bronze medal in the Asian Games will go a long way in preparing for the next Olympics. Given the selection policy of the NRAI, nothing is clear till 2024 as to who gets the nod to represent India.
18-year-old Lihao Sheng had ice in his veins at the Asian Games
Back to Lihao Sheng, home conditions made him a tough cookie. These Chinese marksmen stand so cold and almost frozen like a statue, the only movement which can be seen is squeezing the trigger gently. Keeping in sync with a great Chinese tradition of air rifle shooting, Sheng was constantly aiming for the inner ring. It called for focus, a terrific vision, and going through approximately half an hour of competition without catching a wink. That’s the way the Chinese are toughened.
The morning itself was ominous for Lihao Sheng who in the qualification phase was hitting the inner ring. The 634.1 score in the morning phase was like warming up for the final. And when he made it to the hall for the final, he had that killer instinct.
In the Tokyo Olympics, Lihao Sheng had won silver. The boy is in no mood to give up. He has been consistent in 2023 as well and that is the way forward. At five feet and 11 inches, he is tall by Chinese standards. Yet, for a boy turned young man who loves the air rifle, Sheng also loves playing online games. His philosophy is simple, “Do your best.”
Lihao Sheng gets superstar treatment from the media
The fact he keeps going is a reflection of how much he is loved in China. He was 16 plus when he won in Tokyo. And for someone who took to the sport only in 2017, his growth has been phenomenal. After the win, Sheng was mobbed by the Chinese media. He had to wade through them, go for the mandatory doe test as well, and then the medal ceremony.
From an Indian point of view, the fight between Aishwary and Rudrankksh will signal intense competition in the coming months as well. Next month, the Asian Championship will be held and more Indians will be in focus.
Incase you missed it:
- Arjun Lal Jat and Arvind Singh kick start India’s campaign at Asian Games with a silver medal in lightweight men’s doubles sculls
- EXCLUSIVE: Ankita Raina aims for ‘glory’ at Asian Games as she attempts to fill the void Sania Mirza’s absence has created in Indian tennis
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S Kannan
(382 Articles Published)