"It is a surreal feeling when you get to represent your country on such a big platform that everyone stands around and sings your national anthem."
It started when I was studying in Universal School Goria. I have always been enthusiastic about sports. Since the time I was a kid, I always believed in myself and enjoyed all sporting activities.
When shooting was introduced in my school, I decided to try it out, and fell in love with it. I had a coach who was there only for a few months and helped me get into the National Championship. Competing on the National Level made me realise that I wanted to go even further down the road.
I used to practice for 5-6 hours everyday in the school ground by myself. Even the administrative workers and other school employees would have left by the time I was done. I never skipped practice sessions. I used to miss my tests to practice shooting.
I remember I had to change my subjects a few months before the Board exams because my top priority was practicing for the Internationals.
I always liked competing with older people because their expertise helped me sharpen my own skills.
I was an athlete from the very beginning. I was quite chubby as a kid, but I was fast runner. I also enjoyed skating. Later, I start winning trophies at the Hunger Meet. I won various titles from 6th-10th grade of school. That is why I was happy when I finally made it through the Nationals. To me, it meant that I was progressing in the field of my choice. I finally participated in the National Championship after that, and it felt like I was part of an entirely different world over there.
After the Nationals, I was chosen in the Squad (top 12) and then there were a lot of camps, competitions, and trials to get through before my second National Level appearance. After that, I was selected in the Internationals and won the Silver Medal in the Asian Championship. After that, all my selections were quick and smooth.
However, after the first Nationals, I was pretty sure that I would win two or three medals, but I only won Team Gold. I was disappointed because I had won many state competitions before that. I think, in the long run, it helped my confidence and taught me to learn from my mistakes. I realised I needed focus more to win more. I have been a National level Boxer as well, I have participated in Karate and Wrestling too. But I didn't feel as good about them, as I do about Shooting. I think it's an all-inclusive sport, unlike any other. A 12 year old could compete with a 60 year old, only in a Shooting competition!
The fact that it revolves around the principle of fair play, is the best thing about professional Shooting.
I was 14 years old when I started and now I'm 18. A lot of my friends left Shooting when our school coach left. I practiced and persevered despite the lack of direction because I knew it was something I will always enjoy.
Achieving something never made me feel more of myself, because I believe that there is always someone to look up to and learn from.
When I won the medal in The Commonwealth Games, my parents were very happy. I never asked them how they felt, but I could see it, because I was given a very warm welcome when I returned home. My entire village was there, my school friends, and so many other people. I could see they were very happy and proud.
My mother told me she was too nervous to even watch my game. While my father and brother watched me perform live on television, my mother was praying for me in the other room.
I enjoy drawing and studying too, but Shooting is something I have dedicated my entire life to. My biggest setback was when I lost in the Asian Games by a 0.1 margin. I don't think I have overcome that loss yet. But I like to think of it as another challenge to overcome. I cannot change the past, but I want to make sure I don't repeat that mistake again.
I shot extremely close to the world record. The current record holder shot at 594/600. I shot at a range of 593/600 when I was only 16 years old. I know the world only cares about medals and accolades, but to me, that is still a great achievement. I have a lot more to learn and I never use the word "proud" to describe how I feel about myself. I don't want to be arrogant. Instead, I want to continue to grow.
There was a time when I considered moving to Kota and prepare for Engineering Entrance Exams. I thought I would become a doctor or an engineer someday. But my parents were always supportive of my choices, and let me do what brought me the most joy. I still enjoy academic pursuits and keep my options open. I believe it is important to be flexible in life.
What keeps me going is life itself. The fact that my heart beats and I'm living is inspiration in itself.
Whenever I feel low, or tired, or need a break, I do other things, like going for a drive, shopping, ice skating or horse riding.
These are just some of my hobbies. My only advice to other people would be to pursue everything with the utmost sincerity. Don't give up until you have done everything in your power to control the outcome. Don't be bogged down by critics, and do the thing that brings you the most joy.
HIGHLIGHTS:-
1. 2024 Paris Olympics- Bronze Medal in women's 10m air pistol and mixed team 10m air pistol
2. 2024- First Indian woman to win two Olympic medals in a single edition.
3. 2023 World Championship, Baku- Secured a Bronze medal in the women's 10m air pistol event
4. 2023 Asian Shooting Championship, Changwon- Won Gold in the women's 10m air pistol and mixed team events
5. 2023 ISSF World Cup, Bhopal- Secured Gold in the women's 10m air pistol event
6. 2020 Cairo World Championships- Silver medal in the women's 10m air pistol event
7. 2019- Qualified for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
8. 2018 Commonwealth Games- Gold Medal in women's 10m air pistol
9. 2018 ISSF World Cup- Gold Medal in both women's 10m air pistol and mixed team events
10. 2018- Youngest Indian to win a World Cup Gold.
11. 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires- Gold Medal
12. 2017 Asian Junior Championships- Won Silver Medal marking her international debut.
13. 2017 National Shooting Championships- Won Gold in the 10m air pistol.
Comments