Rashmee Rathore’s recipe for success was simple — prudence is the better part of valour. The Hyderabadi crack-shot clinched gold in the women’s skeet championship of the National Games at the Kerala Police Academy range in Trichur recently.
“In my case the enemy lay within, in that my biggest cause for concern was that I shouldn’t tire out during competition. Towards this goal, I ensured fitness through regular exercise, working out on all three days I was there, even before heading for the range,” said the 32-year-old.
“Although hygiene levels are high in Kerala, I took due care. Although I’m a foodie, I resisted the temptations, avoiding the appams, avials, parottas and chicken roast available in abundance before me. I stuck to the trusted toast, boiled eggs routine that had always helped in Hyderabad and elsewhere,” the two-time National champion said.
All too aware that Kerala would be humid, the heat in her hometown had prepared her for the worst.
“During competition I took shelter in the shade of two jackfruit trees that flanked the range and ensured I stayed cool, literally. A breeze blew across that kept temperatures in control,” Rashmee recalled.
After the gold medal was well and truly hers, she wanted to wreak vengeance on the victuals as she binged on roasted chicken.
Tremors in the tummy held out threats to attending the prize distribution ceremony and her return trip to Hyderabad.
She soon retraced her steps to the tried and tested diet and returned safely to town to tell her tale.
