21-year-old former world champion overcomes illness and Olympic heartbreak to clinch second individual World Cup gold.
A Triumphant Return to the Range
As the new Olympic cycle kicked off at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires, 21-year-old Rudrankksh Patil made a powerful statement: he’s back. With calm precision and a sharp focus, Patil reminded the shooting world of his extraordinary talent by winning gold in the 10m air rifle event. “Mi parat aalo” (“I am back”), he told his father Balasaheb moments after the win—words that captured the emotional significance of his comeback.
Missing Paris, Finding Purpose
Nine months earlier, Patil had missed out on a spot at the Paris Olympics despite a stellar run that included a World Championship title. The fiercely competitive Indian selection trials saw him fall short of the top two positions, dashing his Olympic dreams. The setback was crushing—not only for him but also for his parents who had envisioned their son on the Olympic podium.
Rising from Setback: “God’s Plan”
Despite the disappointment, Patil approached the challenge with maturity. “Rudrankksh told us that the setback was part of God’s plan, perhaps to prepare him for something greater,” said his father. That belief found validation on Sunday as he claimed gold with 15 scores of 10.7 or above in the 24-shot final—a performance that echoed his world-beating form.
Battling an Autoimmune Disease
Patil’s road back to the top wasn’t easy. In 2023, just months before the Olympic trials, he was diagnosed with an autoimmune condition triggered by stress. Early symptoms—hair loss and a white patch of skin—appeared two months before the trials, but Patil powered through a packed schedule of domestic events without a break.
Losing Joy, Rediscovering Passion
“During those two years, all I did was shoot. Somewhere, I lost my love for the sport,” Patil admitted. However, the time following the trials allowed him to reflect and reconnect with his passion. With guidance from psychologist, physio, and coaches Ajit Patil and Neha Chavan, he revisited the basics and even took up the demanding 50m Rifle 3-Position event to challenge himself anew.
Reinventing Himself Through Hard Work
Training for the 3P event wasn’t easy. Patil had to improve his physical conditioning, shedding 14 kilos to maintain balance and endurance. Coach Ajit Patil noted, “For a talent like Rudrankksh, it’s all about rhythm. Once he finds it, there’s no stopping him. During practice, he often shoots 200 shots in a session—creating tight groupings that reflect his mental clarity and stability.”
Technical Tweaks and Tactical Gains
To further improve, Patil made a bold equipment switch—from a Walther to a Feinwerkbau rifle. The move paid off. He qualified second in Buenos Aires with a score of 633.7, just behind compatriot Arjun Babuta. In the final, he led from the start, firing eight scores of 10.5 and above in the elimination round, including two perfect 10.9s, to secure his second individual World Cup gold.
Recognition and Praise from the Shooting Fraternity
National rifle coach Deepali Deshpande lauded his comeback: “That kind of precision has always been Rudrankksh’s strength since his junior days. He’s a keen learner, always seeking guidance—from anyone, including Abhinav Bindra’s coach Heinz Reinkemeier. It’s unfortunate he missed Paris, but I’m glad to see him return stronger.”
Looking Ahead: Eyes on Bigger Goals
Patil’s journey has been one of resilience, introspection, and sheer determination. His recent victory not only marks a successful return to form but also reignites hope for even greater achievements. With the Paris disappointment behind him, Rudrankksh Patil has his sights firmly set on the future—and all signs suggest it’s golden.
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