Fourteen-year-old Saba Fatima is the youngest shooter in the country to qualify for the national selection trials. Its not difficult for her as she comes from her family of shooting stars, Her father Aga Mohammed Hussain and her older sister, Nargis Fatima (17) have won medals at the national level.
Saba Fatima has won over 40 medals at various district and state level competitions. At the first National Selection Trial at Pune in January 2010, she shot her way through to the seventh position in the country with a score of 368 at the 10 metre air-pistol shooting event.
Be cool
“Confidence is what matters most” she says, “and it comes only with practice. My sister has been an inspiration and my dad helps me perfect my technique.” She trains at her home in Himayatnagar where the top floor has been converted into a shooting range, complete with targets and an electronic simulator that helps her excel.
Her day starts at 6 a.m. with physical training and mental exercises that help improve her concentration. “The slightest distraction can ruin the next shot,” says Mr. Hussain.
She has competed with Swetha Choudhry. “I enjoy shooting with my seniors. Shooting is a game of technique and I learn a lot just by watching all these highly ranked shooters. It boosts my confidence and makes me want to do better.”
Saba will represent Andhra Pradesh in the National games and National shooting championships that are to be held soon. She also has the second National Selection Trials to look forward to.
“I love pistol shooting and everything about it. Winning medals just makes it better,” she says as she picks her pistol, takes aim and shoots a perfect ten. “I want to win the Olympic Gold for my country,” she finishes with a winning smile.
