Young athletes from Madurai have made Tamil Nadu proud by securing top honors at a prestigious national shooting championship held earlier this month.
Double Gold Glory for Madurai's Shooting Prodigy
In a remarkable display of skill and composure, 14-year-old K Divya from Madurai emerged as a double gold medalist at the 69th National School Games shooting competition. The event took place in Indore, where Divya first claimed the top prize in the individual under-17 air rifle category.
Her success did not stop there. Demonstrating excellent teamwork, Divya joined forces with Umaiyazhini R, also from Madurai, and Asvana from Tirupur to dominate the team event in the same category. This collaborative effort secured a second gold medal, significantly boosting Tamil Nadu's medal tally at the national meet.
The Journey from Curiosity to Champion
In her reflections on the victory, Divya credited her rapid ascent in the sport to dedicated guidance and her own willingness to learn. "I initially took up shooting out of curiosity," she revealed. "My coach provided step-by-step instruction and was the driving force behind my decision to compete at the national level. Being a fast learner and committing to continuous training were key to my performance in this tournament."
The mentor behind her success is coach S V S S Velshankar, whom Divya thanked for his unwavering support and motivation. Velshankar's coaching has been instrumental in shaping the young talent's career.
Madurai's Growing Hub for Shooting Talent
Coach Velshankar provided insight into the thriving shooting ecosystem in Madurai, noting that approximately 100 to 120 students are currently undergoing training in the city. He expressed strong optimism about the future, confidently stating that more shooters from Madurai are poised to win medals for the state across various categories in the years ahead.
Velshankar also issued a compelling call to action for parents and the youth of the region. He emphasized that sustained training and strict discipline are the fundamental pillars that can help young athletes achieve success on national platforms like the School Games. His message underscores the importance of taking sports seriously as a viable and rewarding pursuit.
The outstanding achievements of K Divya and her teammates at the National School Games not only highlight individual excellence but also signal the rise of Madurai as a significant nursery for shooting sports talent in India.
