THE fast-rising Jaypal Malviya secured India’s first quota in shooting for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics by winning a silver medal with a breakthrough performance in the men’s 10m air pistol event at the ISSF World Championships here on Thursday. Malviya shot 242.2 in the eightman final to finish second and earn the coveted first Los Angeles Olympics quota for the country. China’s Kai Hu won gold with 243.9, while Czechia’s Jindrich Dubovy bagged bronze with 220.9. Earlier, Malviya entered the final of the men’s 10m air pistol competition in third place after shooting 585 across six series in the qualification.

 

“The environment is great. The crowd was very loud and motivated me. I would like to thank the federation, SAI, OGQ and the MP and Indian government. I am grateful to Samaresh Jung sir. I feel great that I could bring the quota and medal to the country,” Malviya said after his landmark medal. The Indian had a mixed start to the final, shooting 9.2 on his second attempt of the opening five-shot series before recovering with a 10.6 on his final shot. He finished the first series with 50.5 points, occupying the third position behind leader Hu.