Having cornered a bulk of medals at the Commonwealth Games, Indian shooters are now preparing for bigger challenges ahead.
With just over a month’s break before setting off for the World Championships and the Asian Games, the Indian shooters are confident of replicating their Glasgow success.
“I have never thought about setting specific targets for myself in terms of medals. My aim has always been to better my own performance.
“In that sense, yes, I am looking to improve my score from the Commonwealth Games. Other than that, there is no pressure,” says Prakash Nanjappa, who won silver in the 10m air pistol.
It’s a feeling shared by all the shooters. At a felicitation event by Olympic Gold Quest here on Wednesday seven of the shooters, supported by the organisation, insist that shooting is a lonely sport where the competition is only with self.
“Family support is important. OGQ have helped with physical and mental trainers, arranging a foreign coach and training but at the end of the day shooting is a personal thing. “You score better, you are rewarded. The competition is with self, not the field,” says Ayonika Paul, who finished second behind compatriot and another OGQ athlete, Apurvi Chandela, in the 10m air rifle.
Paul, who is pursuing her masters in electronics engineering, agrees it is tough to balance the two but not impossible.
The 16-year old silver medallist Malaika Goel, the youngest member of the Indian contingent, is hoping for a better performance at the World Championships, to be held at Granada, Spain, from September 6-20.
Malaika, who would be participating with the junior team, is high on confidence after a medal in her very first senior level international meet. “My family and friends behave the same with me as before, which helps me keep grounded. But yes, the CWG has given me the belief that I can do better,” Malaika says.
The ultimate ambition for everyone, though, is the Olympics. “I came back to India and shooting after a complete break for seven years, during which I was a workaholic with 18-hour days as a software professional in Canada. Nothing below the Olympics will satisfy me,” says Nanjappa.
As for Ayonika, the World Championships and the Asian Games will be tough, but only a step towards the Olympics.
“The only reason I am able to pack in my studies, my travel, my examinations and my competitions is because of my love for shooting. And as a shooter, thinking of something below Olympics will not do justice to my hard work,” she signs off.
