DU Beat brings to you, this week, an interview with Apurvi Chandela, an International-level Indian shooter who competes in the 10 metre air rifle event. Chandela is an alumnus of Jesus and Mary College. She won the gold medal in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and is currently gearing up for the 2016 Summer Olympics. We bring to you an exclusive tete-a-tete with this young youth icon who answers various questions relating to her personal and professional life.
When did you start shooting?
I started shooting in October 2008. I started shooting after Abhinav Bindra won his medal at the 2008 Olympics. That’s how I got inspired to take up shooting.
What is a typical day for you like?
It includes 6 hours of training with meditation, running, exercising and swimming.I spend most of my time with my dogs if I’m not shooting. I also like to read.
As a student, how did you manage between your sport and studies? Do you think you got to experience college life as a regular student?
No, I hardly went to college. All my time was dedicated to shooting. But I did make good friends in the few days that I did go to college. I have no regrets, as it was important for me to focus on my game at that time.
Where do you draw inspiration and support from?
I look upto Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang, Sachin Tendulkar, Roger Federer and Michael Phelps.
What advice would you give to youngsters looking at making sports a career choice? Do they have anything to be varying of?
Sports is a good field to take up. It helps in all-round development. It keeps you going at all times. It’s important to put in all your effort and do what it takes to reach your goal.
What’s been the best moment of your journey as an international level shooter?
It would be when I won the Common Wealth games gold and the fact that 13 of my family members had come to support me in Glasgow. Also, at that time the Indian national anthem that was playing with the tricolor going up. That has to be the best moment.
How do you deal with lows inherent with being a sportsperson? How do you make sure you come back stronger after every loss?
Highs and lows are a part of every sportsperson’s journey I believe and there is always something that I learn from a bad match. The step back after a loss itself gives me the drive to push harder and stronger and take a leap in the next match. Passion for the sport is extremely important and the pride of winning for the country.
What’s your next goal and how do you plan on achieving it?
I’m taking one match at a time. I have the Asian Air-Gun Championship coming up, so I’m training for that at the moment and I’m trying to gain as much experience and confidence I can from the upcoming matches, which will help me in my preparations for the Olympics.
Picture credits: orissapost.com
Ishita Sharma
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