Call it a marathon or call it a trial by fire, for the Indian shooters who have won quota places for the Paris Olympics, the first set of trials which concluded at the Karni Singh ranges in the outskirts of New Delhi was a hard experience.
Overall, 20 marksmen have made the cut for Paris, but the trials for the shotgun marksmen will be held later. Over the last 10 days, with two trials in each event having gone through, it has been gruelling, indeed. But then, nobody has complained. Varun Tomar from the Indian Army, who won a quota place for India in Air Pistol, spoke to RevSportz and explained how these trials are a great chance to focus on technique and improve.
“Aapka technique theek hai to scores apne aap ayegaa,” said Varun. To be sure, given the complex selection policy laid down by the National Rifle Association of India, the shooters, coaches and others are ready to go through the grind.
“I think, mentally, the shooters are aware of what the pressure is and how it is going to be. I have been part of the selection policy formulation and this is a new experience for all. The way shooters have to compete in trials is demanding,” said Joydeep Karmakar. He is coaching some of the rifle marksmen like Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar.
Some of the shooters competing in multiple events have faced the brunt, so to say. “I had body pain for more than one day, having to compete in four trials, in two events. Massage sessions or physio sessions were not possible in between. I had to rely on my mother using Ayurveda oil from Kerala for relief,” said Manu Bhaker.
Like Manu, Esha Singh was also put through a similar number of trials. Her performance in the Air Pistol final on Saturday was solid, but she also needed physio sessions before boarding the flight back to Hyderabad. Even after the competition today, she and her father had to be part of meetings with the coach and other experts to discuss what needs to be done for the next set of trials in Bhopal. Heat is a big factor, up North.
“I think these trials are very harsh, I am hoping there will be no injuries,” said Jaspal Rana. He has been handling Manu with extreme care and ensuring she stays focused. “There is pressure and the concept of too many trials makes no sense to me,” he noted.
Indeed, it was shocking, none of the National Rifle Association of India big bosses were not present at the ranges today. One could also not see selectors present. If just scores have to be tabulated and then the best picked for Paris 2024, it’s bizarre!
Deepali Deshpande, who also handles many rifle shooters, said the trials were planned in advance. “I think the shooters are mentally prepared for this, they have to be ready, whatever the conditions,” she said.
Talk of pressure, it is big for all the male and female shooters in fray. This is, indeed, make or break, for not doing well in the trials can cost dear. Of course, for those who had won quota places for India, there are bonus points. Someone like Palak, in Air Pistol, looked slightly out of sync. Having peaked at a World Cup recently in Rio, to be able to crank herself up, again, is not easy.
Survival of fittest? Maybe, yes. The next set of trials in Bhopal will be in worse conditions with the temperature well over 40 degrees!