Indian Shooters Navigate a Grueling Year of Competition and Olympic Quota Pursuits
NEW DELHI: The Indian rifle-pistol shooting contingent is bracing for an exceptionally demanding year ahead. With a relentless schedule of crucial tournaments and selection trials slated for nearly every month, the 2024 calendar promises to be both hectic and high-stakes. The inclusion of major events like the Asian Games and the World Championships, which offer coveted quota places for the 2028 Olympics, intensifies the pressure and significance of this period.
A Month-by-Month Marathon of Matches
The rigorous itinerary for the shooters is already in full swing. Athletes who participated in selection trials in January are currently engaged in the Asian Championships this February. The pace does not relent, as March will see another round of selection trials. April and May will feature World Cup events in Granada and Munich, respectively.
June brings yet more selection trials, followed by the World Cup in Hangzhou in July and another trial phase in August. The spotlight then shifts to the Asian Games in September. October schedules the Cairo World Cup, while November hosts the critical World Championships, where the first batch of quota places for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will be awarded. The competitive year concludes with the national championships in December.
Strategic Planning from Athletes and Coaches
Recognizing the physical and mental toll of such a packed schedule, shooters and their support teams are proactively planning. Arjun Babuta, who secured a commendable fourth-place finish at the recent Paris Games, has outlined a strategic approach to manage his year.
"I have decided to shut myself completely off from shooting when I will be taking breaks. I will focus on my family business and train only when I am playing," Babuta stated, emphasizing the importance of mental recovery and focused preparation.
National rifle coach Deepali Deshpande is already tailoring individual plans for the athletes. "I have already spoken to many shooters. They want to plan their year carefully. Neither do they want to play in all the matches, nor would the federation insist on that. But nobody would want to miss a match that would affect their position in the squad," Coach Deepali explained, highlighting the balance between participation and strategic rest.
Federation's Approach to Manage the Load
In a move to manage athlete workload and optimize performance, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has decided to field alternate teams for the upcoming World Cups in Granada and Munich. This strategy aims to ensure that key shooters are fresh and peak for the most critical competitions, particularly those offering Olympic quotas, while still providing competitive exposure across the squad.
This meticulous planning at all levels—athlete, coach, and federation—underscores the collective effort to navigate a year where every tournament carries weight, and the ultimate prize of Olympic qualification looms large on the horizon.
