Defending champion Anisa Sayyed may have swapped her Commonwealth Games gold for silver with compatriot Rahi Sarnobat this time around but that has not affected the 33-year-old’s enthusiasm.
Back from Glasgow, Anisa is focused on making the most of a hectic upcoming season that includes the Asian Games and the World Championships.
The 25m pistol shooter has no regrets.
“Of course, it would have been great if I had retained the gold, so a little disappointment is natural. But there are no regrets. My main target is the World Championships (Granada, Spain, September 6-20), where there will be quota places available for the Rio Olympics. The CWG was a practice competition, an important tune-up event ahead of the big test. We used it to fine-tune our techniques and work out the kinks,” Anisa said after reaching home.
Anisa insisted there was no competition with Rahi. The only thing that mattered was the Indian national anthem being played after the event.
All about control“If we start thinking of competition, we will not be able to control our mind, body or technique.
“Shooting is all about control and competing with yourself. Before competition, no one speaks much to anyone. But it’s different after the event. In fact, I love being with Rahi on tours because there are not too many Maharashtrians around and it is a huge relief to talk to someone in your mother tongue in a foreign land,” she laughed. Pune-born Anisa, earlier employed with Indian Railways, is now hoping to land a job with the Haryana government since she has been staying in Faridabad after marriage. Her application has been under process for almost four years.
Supported by the Anglian Medal Hunt Company since last year, Anisa admits it was tough to balance marriage and shooting early on.
“In fact, I even thought of not getting married till I was into active sports but everything happens for the best.
“In six years since marriage, my in-laws have given me full freedom and support to pursue my passion.
“Now, if only I manage to get a job, things will get a lot easier,” she said.
