S Kannan in Paris
Watching the shooting action unfold in the Paris Olympics at the picturesque ranges in Chateauroux on Saturday, a few points became clear. First, the margin for error is no narrow that one bad shot can destroy the dream. Second, consistency is so crucial that a minor blip can spell doom.
As mixed air rifle was on the menu for the morning, Indian fans had started dreaming of a medal, as if this was some balloon shooting competition at a fair. In these Olympics, the focus is on gender equality and how in many events the men-women pairing up can bring out medal winners.
There were two pairs in fray from India, where Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta were supposed to win a medal, not Elavenil Valarivan and Sandeep Singh. Sitting in the comforts of arm chairs, it’s easy to pass judgement on how Ramita and Babuta failed. To be left behind by just one point in a possible battle for bronze was killing. They finished sixth, with the top four teams going through.
As it panned out, the qualifying round was razor sharp, with each team shooting three series of 10 shots each. This is at a target situated 10 metres away. Rife shooting involves wearing a tight jacket and hugging leather trousers, though, now, the material has changed. And when the shooters take aim, they have to be relaxed before pulling the trigger.
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Yes, Ramita and Babuta had rehearsed all this over and over again. Yet, one bad shot from Babuta, and it was curtains. This sport has become a bit like flying fighter jets, with no margin for error at heights of 40,000 feet above sea level. Even a score difference in a decimal point can play havoc. Babuta knew he blew it, though to blame him would be so easy!
Some of the shooting coaches one spoke to did not want to come on record. Reason: This was a near miss and anything could have happened. Lest this be taken as an excuse, on the given day, in an intense field, margin of error had to be zero. A minor blip and Ramita and Babuta fell by the wayside.
It requires practice to a point of perfection and becoming inert to whatever is happening around. Then again, in this sport, one can hit the inner ring (bullseye) repeatedly, but one shot outside the ring can ruin the day. This is what happened to a pair which had raised hopes. After all, to be outsmarted by countries which spend less money on shooting than India does hurt. The harsher truth is, Ramita and Babuta had done all that they could during their preparation.
As far as Elavenil and Sandeep were concerned, they looked weak. Elavenil lacked consistency, which is shocking. Perhaps, the pressure in a trial is different when compared to an Olympic arena, where the world is watching. Elavenil has been lucky to be getting into the team on the basis of massive trial scores. Yet, if she lacks in one area, it is the temperament to peak in big events.
As for Sandeep, he did exceedingly well in the trials in New Delhi and Bhopal to force his way into the squad. Some complained that he was not the right choice, but the selection policy ensured he got in, right or wrong. Someone like Rudranksh Patil, who had won the quota place for India, had been left behind.
Lesson learnt is, if the shooting federation is going to rely only on scores and averages, the ploy may backfire in the Olympics. The mixed rifle event on Saturday made many uncomfortable before Manu Bhaker breathed life back into the Indian campaign. She shoots her 10m air pistol final on Sunday.
Also Read: Ramita Jindal and Arjun Babuta miss out on 10m Air Rifle mixed-team medal