Preparations underway by Indian shooters ahead of Olympics

The Indian shooting contingent returned a haul of nine medals in the recently-concluded ISSF World Cup in Rio, including five gold, which was in line with the trend of success that they have been achieving of late on the international circuit. They have already managed to secure as many as nine quota places for the Tokyo Olympics, with the number likely to increase considering a few qualifying tournaments are yet to be played.

However, the biggest challenge still lies ahead of them in terms of performing at their highest level in the Olympics next year. The shooting team met the Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju at the SAI Headquarters on Saturday before revealing their plans to ensure they are at their best in the sporting extravaganza which is less than a year away.

“I am happy with the way I am presently shooting. For me, It's about making minor changes. For that, I will replace the barrel of my rifle for better grip and positioning. I am comfortable shooting at the camp and at my home range in Jaipur. What has changed for me this time is that I have become more mature in the way I approach the Olympics. Rio was my first outing and I had pressurised myself to perform. This isn't the case this time,” Apurvi Chandela was reported saying by TOI, having secured her berth in the women’s 10m air rifle event last year itself at the Changwon World Championships.

Compatriot Manu Bhaker also shared her lofty plans, which include asking the National Rifle Association of India’s cooperation for helping her train abroad under the Target Olympic Podium scheme.

"Germany is the ideal location for shooters to train. You have all the facilities there.. the weather and training centres. I believe it will help in my Olympics preparations,” the 10m air rifle shooter said.

Yet another specialist in the same category, Yashaswini Singh became the latest Indian to achieve the qualification in the World Cup in Rio. She revealed that she would be focusing on bettering her Minimum Qualification Score in the run up to the event.

“Training wise it's all good. But I have to keep Improving my MQS. The competition is very tough in the 10m air pistol. So l have to consistently achieve good scores. For that, I would be looking to compete at every possible tournament up until the Games,” Singh stated.