Veronika Major’s connection with India began at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, where she struck gold in both the 10m Air Pistol and 25m Pistol in 2019. Her bond with the country deepened during the 2020 pandemic. Like many athletes, Veronika faced challenges in staying competition-ready during lockdowns. The online shooting competitions, organized by former India shooter Shimon Sharif, provided a crucial platform for her to maintain her competitive edge.
“Shimon created opportunities by organizing a competition that bridges continents and time zones, showing that the shooting sport community is like a big family,” Veronika praised. “Through the online competitions, no matter what location we are in, we participate, and I think it is possible for online competitions to continue in the future to keep the form and competition routine.”
Participating in these online competitions kept Veronika sharp and allowed her to stay connected to the sport, leading to her continued success post the lockdowns. She repeated her Delhi success at the Cairo World Cup and achieved numerous other accolades leading up to the Paris Olympics.
On Saturday, Veronika denied India’s Manu Bhaker a record third medal at the Paris Olympics in 25m Pistol. The 27-year-old is coached by India’s former pistol coach Csaba Zyorik, who has trained champions like Vijay Kumar, Heena Sidhu and Samaresh Jung. Veronika’s journey from a junior world champion in 10m Runnning Target to an Olympic bronze medalist in 25m Pistol showcases her adaptability and resilience.
Despite a setback in the 10m Air Pistol, where she finished 8th after topping the qualification, Veronika triumphed in the 25m Pistol, equalling the Olympic qualification record (592). Her victory in the shoot-off against Manu Bhaker brought Hungary its first Olympic shooting medal since Diána Igaly’s gold in Women’s Skeet at the 2004 Athens Olympics.