Ashi Chouksey Aims for Gold at Asian Games After Previous Success

Ashi Chouksey's Ambition for Gold

By Utkarsh Rathour

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh) [India], September 6: Indian shooter Ashi Chouksey is determined to transform her experience from the Asian Games into a gold medal performance, expressing that her past participation has equipped her with the confidence and clarity necessary for the upcoming competition.

Indian shooters are gearing up for a record-setting performance at the Asian Games, which will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4.

Ashi is set to compete in two events: the women's 50m rifle 3 positions and the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team events.

With valuable experience from her last Asian Games, Ashi is focused on leveraging that knowledge to enhance her performance and aim for a gold medal this time around.

In an interview, Ashi shared that this will be her second appearance at the Asian Games, and the insights gained from her previous experience will guide her approach to the competition.

“This will be my second Asian Games, and I have competed at this level before. Now, I understand what it takes. I believe this experience will be beneficial as I approach the Games with a clear goal,” she stated.

During the Hangzhou Asian Games 2022 (held in 2023), she secured three medals: silver in the women's 10m air rifle team event, silver in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions team event, and a bronze in the women's 50m rifle 3 positions individual event.

Reflecting on her previous performance, where she narrowly missed a silver medal in the 50m event, Ashi expressed her desire to convert her past achievements into a gold medal this time.

“I just missed out on silver in the 50 meters. My last shot was 8.9, and I was in a strong position before that. Unfortunately, that last shot led to a bronze. However, it was my first individual medal at the Asian Games, making it special for me,” she recounted.

“Those three medals are significant to me, and I consider them my personal best so far. However, I am eager to turn that into gold because I have two silvers and one bronze, but no gold. I am determined to win a gold medal at these Asian Games,” she added.

When discussing how to manage pressure during competitions, Ashi acknowledged that every athlete experiences nerves before major events, whether at the Olympics, Asian Games, or trials, but emphasized the importance of handling pressure positively.

“I never really thought about it, but there is always pressure, whether it’s an Olympic match, an Asian Games match, or even a trial. The key is how we manage that pressure and turn it into something positive,” she explained.

“The most crucial aspect is to remember your process and maintain it in your shooting, even under pressure,” Ashi added.

She noted that while experience does not eliminate pressure, learning to control nerves is vital in the sport.

“No matter how many competitions someone has participated in or how much experience they possess, pressure is always present in every match. I believe it’s challenging for many to manage their nerves, but I feel I am handling it quite well,” she stated.

Reflecting on her emotions after winning, Ashi mentioned that she prefers to savor the moment once the hard work is done.

“Initially, there are a lot of emotions, but once I win, I shift into a fun mode—thinking that it’s done and over. After that, I forget everything else in my life and just enjoy that moment,” she shared.

Looking towards her long-term aspirations, Ashi dreams of winning Olympic medals in both the 10m and 50m events, aiming to make history for India in the women’s 50m category.

“I envision myself on the Olympic podium with medals in both the 10m and 50m events. India has yet to win a women’s 50m Olympic medal, and I want to be the one to change that. My dream is to secure gold for India at the Los Angeles Olympics,” she expressed.

Ashi also discussed the pride and responsibility that comes with representing India on the global stage, stating that wearing the national jersey inspires her to perform better.

“Representing India is an honor and a source of pride for me. When we travel to another country with our national flag, it carries immense responsibility because millions of expectations rest on our shoulders,” she remarked.

She concluded by sharing that witnessing the Indian flag rise and hearing the national anthem after winning a medal is an indescribable feeling.

“Standing on the podium, watching the Indian flag rise due to your performance, and hearing the national anthem in another country is a moment that words cannot capture. It makes you feel that all your hard work has contributed to your country,” Ashi concluded.