Rudrankksh Patil Triumphs at Asian Championships with Gold in 10m Air Rifle
Indian sports rifle shooter Rudrankksh Patil has added another prestigious medal to his collection by winning the gold at the Asian Championships in the men's 10m air rifle event. The competition, held at the Dr Karni Singh Range, saw Patil deliver a stellar performance, while his teammate and Olympian Arjun Babuta secured the silver, resulting in an impressive Indian one-two finish.
Overcoming Pressure and Physical Challenges
Patil's journey to this victory was not without its hurdles. As a World Champion since the age of 18, he has faced immense pressure to maintain excellence, which took a toll on his body. He experienced symptoms such as uncontrollable hand shaking and panic in high-stress situations, particularly during his three-year stint as World No. 1 from 2022. Last year, Patil took a crucial three-month break to address these issues, a step that helped him rediscover his love for shooting and manage stress more effectively.
Reflecting on his performance, Patil stated, "In pressure situations, I am able to fetch something out of it. Today, it was like that. This is something which is my strong point." This mindset shift has been pivotal in his comeback, allowing him to harness pressure as a strength rather than a weakness.
Strategic Changes and New Goals
To cope with the demands of elite shooting, Patil and his team implemented several strategies. These included limiting his competitions to reduce burnout and spreading out events by introducing him to the 50m 3P discipline. Within months of taking up this new event, Patil rose to eighth in the Indian rankings, demonstrating his adaptability and skill.
At the Asian Championships, Patil is set to participate in the mixed team event and his first international 50m 3P competition. This diversification aims to alleviate the pressure of winning gold by providing additional opportunities for success. Patil also acknowledged areas for improvement, particularly in qualification scores, where he has shown variability but excels under pressure, as evidenced by his top qualification score of 632.1 with a final series of 107.1.
Recognition from Peers and Future Aspirations
Arjun Babuta, who finished second and placed fifth at the Paris Olympics, praised Patil, saying, 'Losing to Rudrankksh is a compliment.' This sentiment highlights Patil's standing as one of India's most prodigious shooting talents. Looking ahead, Patil has set ambitious goals, including becoming India's youngest two-time World Champion and winning gold at the Asian Games and Olympics.
He admitted, "Main easily bol raha hun, but itna easy nahi hai" (It is easier said than done), underscoring the challenges he faces. With a renewed focus on stress management and strategic planning, Patil continues to inspire as he navigates the path to greatness in a sport that has captivated India since Abhinav Bindra's Olympic victory in 2008.
