Four talented shooters from the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation are poised to represent India at the upcoming ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, China.
This event is one of the most significant international competitions of the season, where they will face some of the best shooters globally.
Leading the Gun For Glory (GFG) team are Olympians Elavenil Valarivan and Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil. Elavenil will participate in both the Women’s 10m Air Rifle and the 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team events, while Rudrankksh is set to compete in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events.
They will be joined by emerging talents Sakshi Sunil Padekar and Shahu Tushar Mane, who have shown remarkable performances in domestic competitions and have undergone rigorous training at the academy.
Focus on Sakshi Sunil Padekar
Sakshi, who has been part of the GFG system for over three years, is recognized as one of India’s most promising rifle shooters. A former NCC cadet, she entered the academy with limited experience but has since honed her skills in various aspects, including shooting positions and match execution. Her recent achievements, including setting a National Record, highlight her rapid progress.
As she prepares for Hangzhou, Sakshi expressed, “My focus is on executing one shot at a time. This mindset has been effective for me, and I aim to carry that confidence into the World Cup. We’ve worked on several technical aspects recently, and I trust my preparation and instincts during competition. Every tournament is a chance to learn, and I’m eager to challenge myself against the world’s best.”
Shahu Tushar Mane’s Mental Strategy
Shahu has established himself as one of India’s most reliable rifle shooters in recent seasons. He was introduced to the sport through a summer camp and has since represented India in various junior international competitions before moving to the senior level. After training at GFG for two and a half years, he acknowledges the academy’s role in enhancing both his technical abilities and mental resilience.
“I’m not approaching the World Cup with a specific target. My best performances have come when I enjoyed the sport and remained present, and I want to adopt that same approach again. If I stick to my routine and enjoy the competition, I believe the results will follow. While winning a medal would be fantastic, my main goal is to perform to my fullest potential,” Shahu stated, following a record-breaking performance in Air Rifle trials.
Importance of International Experience
The ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou represents a crucial opportunity for India’s upcoming rifle shooters to gain essential international experience as they prepare for major championships in the future.