Asian Games 2023
Sports help close disparities. Sports are without limitations. The greatest unifier is sports. These words may occasionally seem unnecessary or overdone, but they usually turn out to be true. Specifically in the final of the mixed team 10 meter air pistol competition between India and China at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023. The final was really close. Both teams’ shooters gave everything they had throughout the intense gold medal battle, but as it ended in China’s favor, the pistols gave way to claps, and the cheery chorus took over as sportsman spirit took hold. The shooting range then joined in on the celebration of India’s Sarabjot Singh’s 21st birthday with the Chinese shooters.
The DJ at the shooting range in Hangzhou played “Happy Birthday To You” for Sarabjot after China, India, South Korea, and Pakistan received medals for their respective events (gold, silver, and bronze, respectively). The Indian shooter, who was still reeling after finishing second in the final, received a heartwarming birthday greeting from the Chinese supporters jammed inside the jam-packed arena.
Only a short while ago, Sarabjot’s face was etched with disappointment. He and partner Divya TS had won silver in the mixed team event for the 10 meter air pistol, but he was aware that the medal’s color might have easily been gold if he had competed at his absolute best in the match against China. It came down to the final series, with India and China tied at 14 all. Divya fired a fantastic 10.5 compared to Ranxin Jiang, the female Chinese shooter, who shot a 10.3. Despite having a 0.2 advantage, Sarabjot’s final shot, a 9.9, was disappointing. Bowen Zhang, a two-time Olympic medalist and reigning world champion, shot a 10.7 to win the series and the gold for China.
A very happy birthday to our shooter Sarabjot Singh. Celebrating with a Silver Medal win today in the 10M Mixed Team Pistol event! 👏🏽👏🏽
The Chinese Gold Medal winning pair joining in the birthday celebrations!
Heart to Heart, Future!#IndiaAtAG22 | #WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/70TAebn9qn— Team India (@WeAreTeamIndia) September 30, 2023
The head was hung by Sarabjot. In the end, India lost the gold medal because the best shooter, who won the qualification round, only made 7 of his 15 shots in the 9-series. But he had no idea that a surprise was waiting for him.
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Not only was the entire shooting range singing “Happy Birthday to You” at the award ceremony, but the Indian shooter also received other notable honors. The Chinese shooters and their coach joined the Indian squad in congratulating him on his birthday once they were back in the locker room.
