IN 1998, I became the first Indian woman to win gold at the Commonwealth Games, in the 50m rifle prone position event. Since then, India has achieved significant successes in shooting, the latest being Manu Bhaker with two bronze medals in Paris.
I am excited to see young Manu come into her own; her quiet confidence and focus shine through. We can expect many more accolades for her and I hope her success opens the floodgates for young Indian hopefuls. Air pistol is a versatile sport that can be practised in small spaces, and with some investment in equipment, it can proliferate.
As someone who struggled through the early years of no investment or recognition, even when medals were being won, the growth of shooting in India has been remarkable. While government initiatives play a role in supporting shooters, several non-government organisations also help. Most notable are the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation’s academies, Olympic Gold Quest’s work in identifying and supporting talent, and GoSports Foundation’s scholarships, training grants and mentorship opportunities.
I remember once reading an article about sports sponsorships and taking the effort to write to Indian companies for support. My efforts drew absolutely no results. Today, it is heartening to see companies like JSW Sports and Samsung support shooters so they can focus on their training without worrying about financial constraints. In my days, the only options were the Indian Railways and the Central Reserve Police Force, which entailed signing on to work there. Not a terrible option, but nothing like the support you need for international excellence.
And let us not forget the shift in public perception. Over the past decades, the average Indian has learned to think wider about sports―not just as a venue for international excellence, but as a broadening of horizons, and as a part of a holistically balanced life.
I had my parents Unni and Jaya, my amazing coach A.J. Jalaluddin, teachers and friends―and recognition from chief minister J. Jayalalithaa―to support me. I remember returning with my Commonwealth gold medal to find only my coach and parents there to greet me. This was the day after a losing Indian cricket team came home to an airport full of adoring fans. I know India’s cricket-craze continues, but there is also a greater appreciation of sports like shooting.
To the parent perplexed by their child’s interest in sport, there is not a single day when my learnings from my shooting days do not feature in my life. Whether in helping bond with folks from different backgrounds who respect what it took for a little South Indian girl to play a sport at the level I did, or in the intense concentration I need when taking on a new task as a chief strategy and innovation officer, my sporting experience shines through. Medals are only part of the equation.
While India’s Olympic prospects are bright, it is important to acknowledge the challenges the shooters might face in Paris. They will face the best in the world, and I can tell you that the weight of expectations from a billion-plus population can be a double-edged sword.
A realistic expectation would be two to four medals, but they could get more if everything falls into place. The key will be for the shooters to maintain their composure, focus on their strengths, and execute their plans flawlessly on their big day.
Roopa Unnikrishnan is chief strategy and innovation officer of IDEX Corporation.