Bhopal, 29 August (H.S.): Indian rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey, who took up shooting in 2018, is now preparing for her second Asian Games. The 24-year-old shooter, who won three medals at the previous edition, is determined to turn her earlier success into a gold medal at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.

At the 2022 Asian Games, which were held in 2023, Ashi won silver medals in the women’s 10m air rifle team and women’s 50m rifle 3 positions team events. She also secured a bronze medal in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions individual event.

Her experience at the previous Asian Games is expected to prove valuable as she heads into the upcoming competition. Ashi said she now has a better understanding of how to perform at such a high level, along with greater confidence gained from competing on the continental stage.

“The Asian Games are one of the biggest multi-sport events after the Olympics, and I have already competed there once. I have performed on that stage and know what needs to be done. After winning three medals, I now have good experience of competing at this level. So, this time I am going to Japan with a clear mind and a clear goal,” Ashi said in a statement.

As part of their preparations for the Asian Games, the Indian shooting contingent held several intensive training camps in Bhopal. The camps focused on competition and final-round simulations, while also placing particular emphasis on the shooters’ endurance and consistency.

“We worked extremely hard during our preparations. We were made to practise competitions and finals at the camp. During a 10-day camp, we had three or four competitions and three or four finals. A 60-shot competition itself is quite intense. We also competed in a 120-shot match, which is not part of any competition, but the purpose was to test our endurance and stability over a longer period,” Ashi said.

The Indian shooters have also been working with sports psychologists and using biofeedback technology. The technique is being used to understand the athletes’ breathing patterns and physiological responses while they are aiming and shooting.

“Psychologists monitor our breathing and other bodily processes while we are aiming, using psychological techniques. We have tried it several times and it has been very helpful. It has helped us understand ourselves better. We have also been asked to practise certain exercises before going to sleep and after waking up in the morning,” she said.

Ashi stressed that even the smallest details can make a significant difference in shooting.

“We know what we have to do and how to aim, but sometimes certain small things get overlooked. If we can execute those aspects correctly and with near perfection, I think we will be unstoppable,” she said.

Having already experienced the pressure of the Asian Games, Ashi wants to compete this time with greater confidence and composure. Her objective is clear — to change the colour of the medals she won previously and claim gold.

“I am excited and completely committed to turning it into a gold medal. I want it very, very badly,” she said.

Ashi is also looking forward to competing against China’s formidable shooting contingent. At the previous Asian Games, India’s Sift Kaur Samra won gold and Ashi secured bronze in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event, while a Chinese shooter took the silver medal.

“I am really excited to compete against the Chinese shooting team. They are a very strong team. In 2023, we won gold and bronze, while they won silver on their home turf. They may still remember that and perhaps want to take revenge. They are a strong team, but I am genuinely excited to compete against them,” Ashi said with a smile.

Ashi Chouksey’s journey from picking up a rifle for the first time by chance at a school camp to becoming an international-level shooter has progressed rapidly. She first tried shooting at an NCC camp, where her early performance inspired her to pursue the sport as a career. She was subsequently selected for the state shooting academy.

Now, as she prepares for her second Asian Games, Ashi will enter the competition armed with experience, rigorous preparation and confidence. Her sole objective is to turn the medals she won at the previous Asian Games into gold this time.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar