In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Indian pistol shooter Shivam Thakur sheds light on his inspiring sporting journey and remarkable shift from cricket to pistol shooting, offering valuable advice for aspiring athletes.
Shivam Thakur, an accomplished Indian pistol shooter, was a cricketer before entering the shooting range. Having pursued a career in Under-11 cricket, representing Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, he made the brave decision to switch to shooting after a leg injury. Since 2017, Shivam has achieved remarkable success, securing a total of 27 medals in international competitions, including an impressive tally of 19 gold, 7 silver and 2 bronze medals.
In an exclusive interview with Jagran English, Indian pistol shooter Shivam Thakur sheds light on his inspiring sporting journey and remarkable shift from cricket to pistol shooting, offering valuable advice for aspiring athletes.
Here are excerpts from the conversation:
Q. How did your sporting career begin?
Answer) I embarked on my sporting journey in 2009 as a gully cricketer, progressing to playing professionally under 11s for Delhi District Cricket Association (DDCA), then representing Uttar Pradesh (UP) and finally concluding my cricket trip with kerala.
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Q. How has your approach to pistol shooting changed?
Answer) In 2017, while attending a cricket camp, I realized my lack of knowledge about proper nutrition, physiotherapy and the importance of giving my body enough rest. At that time, I was constantly engrossed in playing without considering these essential aspects. Unfortunately, during a practice session, I suffered a torn ligament in my left leg, forcing me to stop playing cricket. Despite attempting a 4-5 month recovery period, my efforts proved unsuccessful.
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Determined to find an alternative sporting activity with less physical activity, I started researching various disciplines in my physical education books. Initially, I explored archery and chess, but they failed to capture my interest. Eventually, I discovered pistol shooting as a sport and discovered a true passion for it, thus beginning my journey in the world of pistol shooting.
Q. When did you play your first pistol shooting game?
Answer) In 2017, my inaugural pistol shooting game took place against Sri Lanka.
Q. At a very young age you have won 27 international medals. What is your Olympic plan?
Answer) With a clear plan in mind, I am working diligently to achieve my goal of participating in the Paris Olympic Games. In November, I will be competing in the world championships, followed by the Asian Games. My entire focus is to perform well in these competitions as qualifying for both events will pave the way for my Olympic journey.
Q. How do you deal with your nervousness when you see a good competitor?
Answer) I have developed a unique approach to managing my nervousness as I refuse to let pressure dictate my performance. Instead of concentrating on medaling in tournaments, I prioritize enjoying the matches and tournaments I participate in. It’s when I really enjoy my matches that I often end up winning medals. As the representative of India, I am well aware of the weight of expectations across the nation. Similarly, when I compete in other countries, people expect my success and to win a medal. However, I choose not to succumb to this pressure. Instead, I dedicate myself to doing my best and giving myself 100 percent in every tournament.
Q. What was your reaction to winning your first medal?
Answer) Winning my first medal was a totally surreal experience, making my legs shake and tears of joy streaming down my face. The overwhelming realization that my performance led to the performance of my country’s national anthem and the respect shown by the people was an immensely profound and rewarding moment for me.
Q. What steps need to be taken to get more people into shooting as a sport?
Answer: I strongly believe that all young people should actively choose and participate in at least one sport, as it not only helps prepare them mentally but also promotes physical fitness. It is disheartening to see people who do not play any sports, as they often show signs of restlessness and irritability. Many athletes have embarked on their sporting journeys simply for the fun of it, but they are doing well and winning medals for their country. Therefore, I strongly advocate that all young people select and play a sport, as it can have transformative effects on their overall well-being and potential for success.
Q. Did your family support you when you started your sporting career?
Answer) Initially, my parents were not supportive of my sports activities, but over the past 2-3 years, they have gradually become more supportive and encouraging.
Q. Who is your inspiration and how does it inspire you?
Answer) Although I had no specific inspiration for shooting games, during my cricketing days, Sachin Tendulkar was my main source of inspiration.
Q. What message would you like to give to those who want to try shooting?
Answer: Shooting is an exceptional sport that has immense potential as evidenced by the numerous medals India has achieved in this discipline. In the past, people were generally not interested in shooting, gravitating more towards traditional sports like cricket, wrestling, and soccer. However, with the success that India has achieved in shooting, particularly at the Asian Games and world championships, the perception has changed. Major shooting events, such as those organized under the Khelo India initiative and at universities, have become important platforms for inspiring and nurturing young talent.
When young people take up shooting and receive the proper guidance and training, they have the potential to deliver exceptional results. Therefore, with the right support and opportunities, the sport of shooting can unlock remarkable achievements for aspiring athletes.
Q. How are you supporting young people who aspire to pursue a career in athletics?
Answer) SGADF, an organization founded in 2017, is dedicated to nurturing athletes in India. We host various tournaments including district level, state level and marathons, and also hold local races every Saturday and Sunday to encourage student participation in sports. Also, we provide opportunities for our students to represent India at the international level.
Categories: Education News
Source: vtt.edu.vn