Munich is hosting the annual H&N Cup this week, a key early-season competition for elite shooters preparing for the 2024 Paris olympics. On Thursday, Latvia’s agate Rašmane delivered a standout performance in the 10-meter air pistol event, securing a silver medal and simultaneously breaking a Latvian national record. The H&N Cup, known for attracting over 60 nations, provides a crucial proving ground as athletes vie for Olympic qualification slots.
Latvian Shooter Agate Rašmane Shatters National Records at H&N Cup
Agate Rašmane of Latvia secured second place in the 10-meter air pistol competition at the prestigious H&N Cup in Munich, Germany, on Thursday, January 22nd, while simultaneously setting a new Latvian national record. The H&N Cup draws top marksmen from over 60 countries, offering a crucial early-season test for athletes aiming for the Paris Olympics.
Record-Breaking Qualification Performance
Rašmane dominated the qualification round, posting a score of 584 – a new Latvian record and the highest among 72 competitors. She then narrowly missed the top spot in the final, finishing behind Zorana Arunović of Serbia, the reigning champion of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This marks the second consecutive silver medal for Rašmane at the event.
Strong Showing for Latvian Team
The competition, held in Munich, saw additional participation from Latvian shooters Daniels Vilciņš and Ernests Erbs in the men’s event. Vilciņš achieved a score of 570, placing him 48th out of 90 participants, while Erbs finished 78th with a score of 558. The H&N Cup is scheduled to conclude on Sunday, January 25th.
Rašmane’s Rising Career
Born in Dobele, Latvia, in 1997, Agate Rašmane is a leading figure in Latvian shooting. She previously competed at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and is preparing to contend for a spot at the upcoming 2024 Paris Games. Rašmane’s impressive resume also includes a bronze medal at the 2023 World Championship in the 25-meter pistol event, a silver medal at the 2019 European Games in Minsk (mixed team event with Lauris Strautmanis), and a bronze medal at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games. She is coached by Vilnis Celmiņš and is an alumna of the Latvian Sports Pedagogy Academy. The Latvian Shooting Federation has praised Rašmane’s achievement and acknowledged the contributions of her coach, Celmiņš.
