FIVE PISTOL ATHLETES NAMED 2024 USA SHOOTING JUNIOR OLYMPIC CHAMPIONS
By Brittany Nelson, USAS Public Relations & Communications Manager
COLO SPRGS, CO (April 22, 2024) Ankita Deokule, Nathan Lim, Mark Shen, Suman Sanghera, and Blaine Simpson were named champions at USA Shooting’s 2024 Pistol National Junior Olympic Championships (JOs) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, April 11-17.
The weeklong competition consisted of five different events where over one hundred junior athletes competed for their shot at a title. The competition, which was held at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Training Center this year, is an annual match for athletes aged 21 and under. All competitors must shoot at a state level match to qualify and receive an invite to the national level.
Deokule was named Junior Olympic Champion in Women’s 25m Sport Pistol. The event consists of precision shooting and rapid shooting portions. Deokule shot in two qualification rounds where her combined total of 1068 landed her a spot in the final with the seven other top competitors. Deokule earned gold by out shooting Riya Salian who finished second.
Lim earned his title in Men’s Air Pistol. The California native shot in two qualification matches consisting of 60 shots each. Lim’s combined score of 1134 was the highest of all competitors and earned him a spot in the finals. Lim won the final and bested Joseph Koh, second place finisher, to earn his gold medal. The Bridge Jr. Team, a pistol club based out of La Puente, California, swept the podium in Men’s Air Pistol. All three overall medalists belong to and train at the club.
Shen claimed his gold medal in Men’s 25m Sport Pistol. Shen shot a combined overall qualification score of 1063. Shen was among eight finalists who competed at their shot for a medal. Shen’s victory was earned when he out shot Johnathan Dorsten who finished second.
Sanghera was named champion in Women’s Air Pistol. After two matches, the 2023 World Championship team member shot a combined qualification score of 1133, the highest of all competitors. Sanghera claimed her victory in the final by triumphing over Sneha Gupta who finished second.
Simpson earned the final National Junior Olympic Champion title in Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol. He shot two qualification matches equaling a total of 1077, the highest out of all the competitors. Simpson claimed his gold medal in the final by out shooting William Regala who finished second.
“The competition was a huge success because of all the dedicated and talented athletes,” said Ashley MacAllister, USA Shooting Competitions Manager. “We recognize and appreciate all of the hard work these junior athletes have put in to make it to this level of competition. I would also like to thank all of our great volunteers for helping us with the match. Their selflessness does not go unnoticed”
The 2024 JOs also awarded medals in 18 and under (U18) and 15 and under (U15) age categories. See all awardees below:
Women’s 25m Sport Pistol
Overall medalists: Ankita Deokule, gold; Riya Salian, silver; Eva Allan, bronze
U18: Saanvi Singh, gold; Lucia Kim, silver; Rachel Kim, bronze
U15: Caroline TSO, gold; Jia Lee, silver; Anjali Deokule, bronze
Men’s Air Pistol:
Overall medalists: Nathan Lim, gold; Joseph Koh, silver; Mark Shen, bronze
U18: Nathan Bae, gold; William Regala, silver; Dominic Quintino, bronze
U15: Walter Armitage, gold; Terry Hur, silver; Blake Hankins, bronze
Men’s 25m Sport Pistol
Overall medalists: Mark Shen, gold; Johnathan Dorsten, silver; Austin Stone, bronze
U18: William Regala, gold; Nathan Lim, silver; Evan Langerak, bronze
U15: Terry Hur, gold; Ryan Allan, silver; Walter Armitage, bronze
Women’s Air Pistol:
Overall medalists: Suman Sanghera, gold; Sneha Gupta, silver; Danae Bell, bronze
U18: Rachel Kim, gold; Chloe Bae, silver; Lucia Kim, bronze
U15: Eva Allan, gold; Jia Lee, silver; Anjali Deokule, bronze
Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol
Overall medalists: Blaine Simpson, gold; William Regala, silver; Mark Shen, bronze
U18: Elie Arkin, gold; Dominic Quintino, silver; Evan Langerak, bronze
U15: Terry Hur, gold; Ryan Allan, silver; Walter Armitage, bronze
Ty Goede was recognized a Paralympic pistol competitor at the match. He competed in P1 Men’s 10m Air Pistol SH1. If you or someone you know is interested in Paralympic shooting, please contact Brenda Silva, USA Shooting’s Paralympic Coach, at Brenda.Silva@usashooting.org.
View all official JOs scores here: https://usashooting.org/app/uploads/202 ... sults.xlsx
View photos here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usashooti ... 0315912464
Junior Olympics is the first half of the selection procedures for the 2024 International Shooting Sports Federation Junior World Championships, taking place this fall in Lima, Peru. The second half of selection will be the 2024 USA Shooting National Championships in June.