Last week, Vijayveer Sidhu won silver in the men’s 25m rapid-fire pistol at the Asia Olympic Qualification event, securing India’s 17th Olympic quota spot in shooting for the 2024 Paris Games. While this achievement is commendable, it is important to recognize that winning quota spots does not reflect the level of competition at these events.
In the case of Sidhu, he secured his Paris quota even before the final round began, as three shooters had already qualified for the Olympics and one was ineligible. This highlights the need for Indian shooters to learn from the mistakes made in the lead-up to the Rio and Tokyo Olympics to better prepare for Paris.
Looking back at the Tokyo Olympics, India entered the Games with high expectations as they were the most successful nation on the 2019 ISSF World Cup tour, winning 21 gold medals. However, out of the record-breaking 15 Indian shooters at the Olympics, only one made it to the final. The pressure of expectations, along with other factors such as foreign coaches and the Covid-19 pandemic, contributed to the disappointing performance.
In the past year, Indian shooting has experienced significant success, with a record-breaking haul of 22 medals, including seven gold medals, at the Asian Games in 2023. This was followed by a 14-medal performance at the 2023 World Championships, where four of the Paris Olympic quotas were secured. However, it is crucial to recognize that the level of competition at the Olympics will be much higher than these events.
Indian shooters have proven their technical prowess, but it is their mental preparation at major events that has often let them down. Olympic bronze medalist Gagan Narang described the Games as unforgiving, where even the smallest errors can have significant consequences. Joydeep Karmakar, who finished fourth in the 50m men’s rifle event at the 2012 London Olympics, emphasized the importance of taking the Olympics more seriously than other tournaments.
While a new generation of shooters has emerged in India with improved mental training, the pressure and spotlight of the Olympics can still be overwhelming. In order to give the shooters the best chance of success, it is crucial to allow them to prepare without excessive background noise and expectations.
As India aims to add to its shooting medal tally in Paris, it is important to learn from the past and focus on mental preparation and resilience. The achievements at the Asian Games and the World Championships are undoubtedly impressive, but the ultimate test lies at the Olympic Games. Indian shooters have the talent and skills, but it is crucial to manage expectations, provide the necessary support, and ensure mental preparedness for the grand stage of the Olympics.
In the pursuit of glory in Paris, India should prioritize the mental well-being of its shooters and create an environment conducive to success. With the right approach and preparation, India has the potential to produce more medalists and make its mark on the global shooting stage once again.
