Shardul Vihan, the only trap shooter from Uttar Pradesh, is aiming to add to his accomplishments at the Khelo India University Games for the third time. Hailing from Meerut, Vihan is a third-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) at Shobhit University and has previously won a gold medal in the junior trap team event at the Valerj Championship held in Croatia.
At the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games, Vihan made history when he won a silver medal in the double trap event, becoming the youngest athlete to have won a medal for India in the Asian Games. Despite the immense challenges faced by him in travelling from Meerut to Delhi every day for practice, he managed to succeed in his endeavors.
Vihan believes that the competition level in shotgun shooting at the Khelo India University Games is high as players need to demonstrate their skills in a structured manner to be able to progress further. He has previously participated in shooting events in Bhubaneswar and Bangalore, having won bronze medals in both occasions. He wants to change the color of his medals at the Khelo India University Games and is determined to win a gold one this time.
To maintain both a physical and a mental fitness, Vihan practices yoga and pranayama and also plays badminton, which helps keep up his hand-eye coordination – an essential aspect for shooters. He encourages others to stay focused on their newfound passion and to keep working hard as hard work never goes in vain.
Vihan’s ultimate goal is to win a medal for India in the Olympics and bring a gold medal in shooting to his country, state, and family.
The Khelo India University Games is a national-level competition with universities from all over India participating in it. It provides competitors with an international feel and is a well-organized event.
Khelo India is a central government initiative which is aimed at reviving the sports culture in India at the grassroots level by encouraging income level athletes to follow their dreams and showcase their talents for a brighter future. It also provides them with financial assistance and scholarship.This program has been of great help to aspiring, talent-driven athletes, such as Shardul Vihan.
