Sarabjot Singh’s journey to the Paris Olympics bronze medal was marked by overcoming significant challenges. The 22-year-old shooter, who made a splash with his performance at the 2023 Baku World Cup, competed despite enduring considerable pain.
At Baku, Sarabjot not only helped the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team secure gold but also set a personal best with a qualification score of 589. Although he finished fourth in the final, his achievements were remarkable given the circumstances.
Sarabjot’s personal coach, Abhishek Rana, revealed that adversity fuels Sarabjot’s determination. “For almost three months after Baku, Sarabjot couldn’t lift his pistol. However, this period of forced rest ignited a renewed drive within him,” said Abhishek, who runs a shooting academy in Ambala.
The partnership between Abhishek and Sarabjot, which began in 2016, has proven pivotal in Sarabjot’s rise. Abhishek’s insights into Sarabjot’s resilience highlight how challenges only strengthened his resolve.
Sarabjot’s return to form was evident when he narrowly missed out on the men’s final in Paris. Abhishek noted the importance of allowing athletes to process their emotions and reassess their performance. This introspection was crucial for Sarabjot, who tied with Germany’s Robin Walter with a 577 but fell short due to one less inner 10.
During his recovery, Sarabjot engaged in meditation and visualization sessions led by yoga coach Balendu Rai and Abhishek. Though he couldn’t physically train, he maintained mental sharpness and simulated match situations.
This period of mental preparation laid the groundwork for Sarabjot’s success in the mixed team event at the Paris Olympics. “The setback made him even more determined to succeed,” Abhishek said. By revisiting fundamentals and refining his approach, Sarabjot focused solely on achieving his goal.
In the end, Sarabjot’s unwavering dedication and resilience paid off, culminating in a memorable Olympic performance.