Indian shooter Ashi Chouksey is determined to leverage her past experiences from the Asian Games to secure a gold medal.
She believes that her previous participation has equipped her with the confidence and clarity necessary for success in the upcoming event.
The Asian Games, set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, will see Indian shooters striving for record-breaking performances. Ashi is set to compete in two categories: the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions and the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team events.
Utilizing Past Experience
In an interview, Ashi expressed that this will be her second appearance at the Asian Games, and the insights gained from her previous experience will guide her approach. “Having competed at this level before, I understand what it takes to succeed. This time, I am entering with a wealth of experience and a clear objective,” she stated.
During the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023), she earned three medals: silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team event, silver in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team event, and bronze in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions individual event.
Turning Past Success into Gold
Reflecting on her previous performance, where she narrowly missed a silver medal in the 50m event, Ashi is eager to transform her past achievements into a gold medal this time. “I was close to winning silver in the 50 meters, but my last shot was an 8.9, which cost me. However, winning my first individual medal at the Asian Games was a significant milestone for me,” she shared.
“Those three medals are incredibly meaningful, but I am focused on achieving gold now, as I have two silvers and one bronze but no gold medal yet. I am determined to win gold at these Asian Games,” she added.
Managing Competition Pressure
Ashi discussed the common nerves athletes face before major competitions, whether at the Olympics, Asian Games, or trials. She emphasized the importance of managing pressure positively. “Pressure is a constant in every competition, but how we handle it and turn it into something constructive is crucial,” she noted.
“It’s vital to maintain your process and continue shooting as you normally would, regardless of the pressure,” she added.
She acknowledged that while experience doesn’t eliminate pressure, learning to manage nerves is essential in the sport. “No matter how many competitions one has participated in, pressure is always present. I believe I am managing my nerves quite well,” she stated.
Embracing Victory
When discussing her emotions after winning, Ashi mentioned that she enjoys celebrating her achievements after the hard work is done. “Initially, there are many emotions, but once I win, I shift into a celebratory mode, relishing the moment and forgetting everything else,” she explained.
Long-Term Aspirations: Olympic Dreams
Looking towards the future, Ashi expressed her ambition to win Olympic medals in both the 10m and 50m events, aiming to make history for India in the women’s 50m category. “I envision myself on the Olympic podium with medals in both events. India has yet to secure a women’s 50m Olympic medal, and I aspire to change that. My dream is to win gold for India at the Los Angeles Olympics,” she said.
Pride in Representing India
Ashi also shared her feelings about the honor and responsibility of representing India on the global stage. She stated that wearing the national jersey inspires her to perform at her best. “It is a privilege to represent India. Carrying our national flag abroad comes with immense responsibility, as millions of expectations rest on our shoulders,” she remarked.
She concluded by expressing the indescribable joy of seeing the Indian flag rise and hearing the national anthem after winning a medal. “Standing on the podium, witnessing the Indian flag rise due to my performance, and hearing the national anthem in a foreign land is a feeling beyond words. It validates all the hard work I’ve put in for my country,” Ashi concluded.