In the backdrop of several Indian medal hopefuls disappointing across disciplines at the Paris Olympics, shooting was a huge saving grace for the nation.
The Paris Olympics also saw the emergence of a trend where shooters did not mince words in crediting personal coaches for their success, and this is only expected to gain momentum with time.
Medallists like Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh gave credit where it was due in acknowledging the efforts of their personal coaches, in addition to experts in the national camps, in shaping them into world beaters.
Earlier, the spotlight used to be only on national coaches, and personal coaches stayed unsung and in the background. Fear played a part as shooters were worried of being targeted by the national coaches.
After falling out with coach Jaspal Rana following the Tokyo Olympics fiasco, Manu again joined hands with Jaspal, a celebrated shooter of his time, in the buildup to Paris and scripted history by becoming the first Indian double medallist at a single edition of the Olympic Games.
Bronze in Women’s 10m Air Pistol and 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team with Sarabjot, Manu highlighted the critical, yet often unsung impact of personal coaches.
Similarly, Olympian Deepali Deshpande put in equal toil behind Swapnil’s bronze in Men’s 50m Rifle Three Positions.
Sift Kaur Samra was another of her pupils to take aim in Paris, and though she could not qualify for the final in Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions, the hugely talented 22-year-old is a strong medal hope at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Despite missing out in Men’s 10 Air Rifle by finishing 4th, Arjun Babuta made Deepali proud. The experienced Anjum Moudgil was one more student in action in Women’s 50m Rifle Three Positions.
It is to Abhishek Rana’s credit that he has kept his competitive spirit burning by competing at the National Championships while shaping the careers of shooters like Sarabjot, who teamed up with Manu for the team bronze.
Personal coaches like Abhishek exemplify that the journey at the shooting range often has little or no bearing when athletes turn over a page in their career and take to coaching.
Irrespective of their personal landmarks in the days of active competition, the hallmark of a quality coach is to understand the ward’s strengths and weaknesses, and draw a blueprint accordingly that ensures glory on the global stage.