Rahi Sarnobat Aims for Success at ISSF World Cup and Asian Games
Rahi Sarnobat Prepares for Major Competitions
New Delhi, July 14: Renowned Indian pistol shooter Rahi Sarnobat is gearing up for the dual challenge of the ISSF World Cup in China and the Asian Games, following an impressive showing in the national circuit.
The former Asian Games Gold Medalist excelled in the recent T4 national selection trials for the women's 25m sports pistol event, showcasing her elite skills against a highly competitive field, as reported in a press release.
As the national team embarks on a rigorous training regimen, Sarnobat shared her insights on managing selection pressure, fostering team dynamics, and how her mental growth provides her with a competitive edge.
Reflecting on her performance during the intense trials, Sarnobat highlighted that achieving success in India's current domestic landscape demands exceptional consistency and strict adherence to personal routines.
"Securing a spot on the national team is a challenging feat due to the competitiveness of our domestic trials. More than just the score, I was pleased with how I executed my process under pressure. It reassured me that my efforts over the past months are yielding results. The focus now is on continuous improvement and maintaining this consistency," Sarnobat stated.
The seasoned shooter leads a strong 25m Pistol team that combines decades of championship experience with the vibrant energy of India's younger global medalists.
"It's a fantastic blend, as each generation contributes something unique to the firing line. The younger athletes bring incredible energy, confidence, and fresh perspectives. Meanwhile, experience aids in managing pressure, patience, and expectations during significant events. Being part of such a talented team is incredibly exciting," Sarnobat remarked.
India's domestic pool in the women's 25m Pistol category is considered one of the most challenging globally. Sarnobat pointed out that daily training with elite athletes naturally elevates international standards.
"The competition level in India is exceptionally high, which is one of our greatest strengths as a shooting nation. Training alongside world-class teammates like Manu and Esha means you must perform at your best every day. It fosters an environment where everyone continuously raises the bar, supported by mutual respect," Sarnobat explained.
Over the years, Sarnobat has transformed her approach to competitive shooting, shifting her focus from merely tracking technical outcomes to achieving emotional stability and mental calmness when on the range.
"Experience has shown me that results stem from hard work. Now, I trust my preparation and remain fully present with each shot. I've learned to embrace both positive and challenging moments without emotional reactions. This mental stability enables me to make better decisions and recover swiftly if things don't go as planned," Sarnobat added.
With the national high-performance camp currently in session, the team is concentrating on match simulations and tactical conditioning in preparation for consecutive major international events.
"The national camp is vital as it allows us to refine every aspect of our preparation, from technical execution to physical conditioning. Our immediate goal is to build consistency and confidence as we head into the World Cup, and then carry that momentum into the Asian Games. As a team, we aim to perform at our highest potential," Sarnobat concluded.