New Delhi 2024: China reign supreme in mixed team finals

Every time China’s Yang Chao is shooting in a final, his only aim is giving his 100 per cent. For him more than the colour of the medal, it’s the shooting process he focuses on and trying to improve his game.

On Sunday (10 March), the second day of the New Delhi 2024 World Cup, the two-time Paralympic champion returned to the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting ranges to clinch his third gold medal. 

Chao combined with Li Min to beat Indian stars Manish Narwal, a Paralympic and world champion, and Rubina Francis 16-12 in a thrilling P6 - mixed team 10m air pistol SH1 final.

The Chinese, who started on a strong note, were caught up by the Indians mid-way with the scores reading 9-all, then 11-all before Chao and Min finished it in style. It was disappointing for the home fans as they cheered for Indian side as Narwal and Francis fought back from 5-9 and even went on to lead 11-9 but faltered at the end.

“I just gave my best, followed the process which I do in the training. I wasn’t thinking about the gold medal,” said Chao, who also has gold medals in P3 - mixed 25m pistol SH1 individual and team events.

The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Para Games gold medallist explained further: “My attitude has changed a lot over the years. In Hangzhou 2022 too, where there was a lot of expectation, my only aim was to put up my best performance.” 

First mixed title for Dong Chao

Earlier, Chao’s compatriots Dong Chao and Zhong Yixin clinched the gold medal in R10 - mixed team 10m air rifle standing SH1 comfortably defeating India’s Mona Agarwal and Aadithya Giri 16-4.

This was the first mixed doubles gold medal for Chao along with Yixin. “This will be my fifth Paralympics. And I look to follow the process and focus on my every shot. I hope to do well at the Paralympics.” 

This was second medal for Agarwal after her golden show on the opening day in R2 - women's 10m air rifle standing SH1. 

First medals

In R11 - mixed team 10m air rifle standing SH2, Brazil’s Jessica Daiane Michalack and Bruno Stov Kiefer defeated Champion Madison and Hays Ben 16-8. For Brazilians, it was their first international mixed team title while Ben won his first medal in his first international. 

Competitions continue on Monday with the results and schedule can be found here.