Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve: Aiming for Success at the Asian Games

Focus on Skills and Composure

Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve, an Indian shooter, is dedicated to honing his skills and maintaining his composure as he gears up for the Asian Games. He emphasizes that adhering to the process and concentrating on each shot will be crucial for achieving success. The Asian Games are set to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, where Indian shooters are aiming for a record-breaking performance.

'Execute Our Skills Correctly'

In a recent interview, Kedarling expressed confidence in his preparations, stating that the primary goal is to apply the techniques and strategies developed during training in the competition. He remarked, "Preparations are going well, and we need to execute everything we've practiced in the game. The skills we've developed must be put into action, and then everything else will follow naturally."

Managing Pressure Through Visualization

Despite the significance of the Asian Games, Kedarling believes that the fundamentals of shooting remain unchanged. He utilizes visualization and meditation techniques to manage pressure. "The event is large, but the shooting range remains the same at 10 meters. We visualize ourselves on the range, shooting, which helps alleviate any pressure," he explained.

From Agricultural Roots to the Global Stage

Hailing from a small village in Karnataka, Kedarling comes from a family engaged in agriculture. His parents continue to farm, and he grew up in a joint family setting. Although sports were not a significant part of his early life, he participated in district-level running events, including the 1500m, never imagining he would one day represent India internationally.

The 'One Shot at a Time' Philosophy

When discussing how to cope with competition pressure, Kedarling stressed the importance of focusing on the present moment and taking one shot at a time. "In our sport, it's vital to concentrate on the current shot rather than dwelling on a previous mistake, which could affect the entire match. Staying calm and preparing for the next shot is essential," he noted.

An Unexpected Path to Shooting

Reflecting on his journey from joining the Indian Army to becoming an international shooter, Kedarling admitted that representing India in shooting was not part of his initial plans. "I never considered it before joining the Army in 2018. My focus was on serving the country, especially given our family's financial situation," he shared. He credited the Army for introducing him to shooting, where he received valuable support and coaching, allowing him to excel in the sport.