Explained: How do rifle shooters at Paralympics compete in kneeling, prone and standing disciplines in 50m rifle 3position event

Avani Lekhara on Tuesday qualified for the final of R8 – Women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions SH1.

First of all, what are the classifications in shooting? There are two: SH1 and SH2, Avani belongs to the SH1 category.

In SH1, shooters are able hold their gun without difficulty and shoot from a standing or sitting position (in a wheelchair or chair). SH1 athletes could compete in both pistol and rifle events. Whereas in SH2, shooters are unable to hold their rifle independently, so they will need to use a stand, but can aim by themselves and control the rifle when they shoot. There are no pistol events for the SH2 category.

Now, like at the Olympics version of 3P that we are familiar with, the Paralympics 50m Rifle 3 Positions event – where Avani had won a bronze in Tokyo – also has Kneeling, Prone, Standing rounds.

But while the words are the same, they are not literal.

Kneeling (SH1):

Only one elbow must rest on the table or board and the body must be well clear of the board; the supporting forearm must form an angle of not less than 30 degrees from the horizontal. Only the point of the elbow may be supported on the 10cm block, no support may be gained from the board/table frame/arm rests.

In 50m Rifle Prone, athletes may choose to compete either in the position as described in the ISSF Rules, or with the use of a Shooting Chair and table.

Prone (SH1):

Both elbows must rest on the table or board. The upper arms must not touch the table or board. The forearm must not form an angle of less than 30 degrees from the horizontal, measured from the axis of the forearm. In 50m Rifle Prone, athletes may choose to compete either in the position as described in the ISSF Rules, or with the use of a Shooting Chair and table.

In the standing round, not any part of the elbows is to make contact with the lap, wheel or gain support other than from the ribcage, hip or abdomen.

Standing (SH1):

The rifle must be held with the arms only, without support (as per the ISSF Rules). No part of the arms may come in contact with any part of the Shooting Chair. Not any part of the elbows is to make contact with the lap, wheel or gain support other than from the ribcage, hip or abdomen.

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