Ruchita takes bronze at Asian shooting meet (Lead, correcting headline)

India's Ruchita Vinerkar claimed the bronze in the women's 10m Air Pistol, the last event of the 9th Asian Championship 10m (Rifle/Pistol), which concluded here on Thursday.

Ruchita shot 175.5 points in the eight-woman final, while China's Mengshue Xang won gold with a score of 198.8. Xang's compatriot Yuemei Lin took the silver, shooting 194.3.

India thereby concluded a successful campaign, finishing second overall with a haul of 15 medals -- six gold, five silver and four bronze.

China finished on top of the standings with a total of 32 medals -- 14 gold, 10 silver and eight bronze. Hosts Iran and Japan followed the top two in the final standings.

The highlight of India's performance was Shahzar Rizvi's gold in the men's 10m Air Pistol event. Indians took the top two spots in the event with the seasoned Jitu Rai taking the silver.

Shahzar shot a phenomenal 199.9 in the final to Jitu's 197.5 to cap off a brilliant performance which also saw him partner Jitu and Om Prakash Mitharval for the team gold in the event.

Among other notable Indian performances was Anmol's gold in the men's 10m Air Pistol Youth event where he shot a 199 in the final to finish on top.

The Indian 10m Air Pistol junior men's team of Saurabh Chaudhary, Hemendra Kushwah and Gurmeet also won gold for their country.

--IANS

ajb/vt