Elavenil Valarivan: A Journey of Resilience and Excellence in Shooting
A Remarkable Journey
Elavenil Valarivan, a former World No. 1 and one of India's top air rifle shooters, recently shared insights into her extraordinary journey. From a chance discovery of shooting to overcoming significant injuries, the 26-year-old athlete, who participated in the 2026 ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, attributes her success to consistency, family support, and a deep passion for the sport.
Achievements on the Global Stage
As a vital member of the Indian shooting team, Elavenil has represented her country at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and has made her mark in the women's 10m Air Rifle event. Her impressive accolades include gold medals at various prestigious competitions such as the ISSF World Cup, ISSF World Cup Final, ISSF Junior World Cup, and multiple Asian Shooting Championships, solidifying her status as one of India's most celebrated rifle shooters.
An Unexpected Beginning
Elavenil reflected on her unconventional entry into shooting, noting that her family had no athletic background. "My family always encouraged me to engage in sports. I explored various activities like athletics, judo, badminton, and kabaddi before stumbling upon shooting. It gradually evolved from a hobby to a professional pursuit," she explained.
Challenging Societal Norms
Having achieved great heights in her sport, Elavenil recounted the societal stereotypes she faced as a girl in shooting. "I often heard questions like, 'Why is a girl with guns?' However, my parents' support and my self-belief were what truly mattered. Criticism is inevitable, but I refused to let it dictate my path," she stated.
Conquering Injuries
Elavenil shared that her toughest challenges were not just in competitions but also during periods of injury that tested her resilience. "In 2017, I faced a severe knee problem, making it difficult to shoot without breaks. Then in 2022, I dealt with a back injury involving disc bulges. There were times I questioned my future in the sport," she recalled.
"What kept me going was my commitment to show up daily. Even if I could only train for an hour before rehabilitation, my love for shooting motivated me through those challenging times," she added.
The Importance of Mentorship
Elavenil credited the Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation and Gun for Glory academy for their pivotal role in her development as an athlete. "I connected with the Gun for Glory academy in 2014 through a Gujarat government initiative. My coach Neha Chavan and mentor Gagan Narang have been instrumental in refining every aspect of my career," she noted.
Focusing on Improvement
As she prepares for the upcoming Asian Games, Elavenil emphasized the significance of concentrating on the process rather than the results. "I’m not looking too far ahead. My coach and I are dedicated to enhancing every small aspect of my game, one day at a time. While we have plans for the season, our main goal is to improve continuously," she explained.
Currently training under coach Neha Chavan and guided by Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang at the Gun for Glory academy, Elavenil is determined to represent her country with pride on international platforms.