By Jaspal Rana
Emotions swell up inside me whenever I look back at my long journey as a shooter, and where I am today as the national pistol coach of Team India. I must say, God has been kind to me. From where I began as a young boy in 1987, when I was 10, till today, the journey has been fascinating. And yet, when I realise each day has been meaningful and I am able to give back to the sport, it is gratitude and thanks to all those who have been a part in this journey with me.
Frankly speaking, since the time when I was introduced to shooting by my father and then competed in my first Nationals in 1991 in Ahmedabad, there has been no looking back. For me, shooting is my breath, my passion. I eat, sleep, live this sport. If, first, it was a shooter representing India, today I am happy I am able to give back to the sport of shooting.
As you have asked me about my background, you know best I come from a middle-class background. The first time, perhaps, when people celebrated me when I won a standard pistol gold medal in 1994 in Milano, Italy. Of course, to do extremely well the same year in the Asian Games in Hiroshima, was satisfying not just for me, but for the entire nation.
People told me I was the face of Indian shooting at that time. No, I never got swayed by all that. It’s just that for me, to shoot was a passion. I cannot forget my two Gurus, as I call them, Tibor Gonczol and Sunny Thomas, they guided me in my journey. I am privileged, I could shoot for India at various international competitions and look at my cupboard filled with over a 100 medals. My regret has been I could not win an Olympics medal. This is perhaps the reason why, when I went to the Paris 2024 Olympics, as personal coach of Manu Bhaker it was a huge challenge. These medals belong to Manu as well as India. That I was part of the journey is special. But then, I will insist, each medal won by all our shooters is for the nation first.
When I was a shooter, I always knew I was representing India. The respect for the flag is not just glib talk, it comes from my heart. Today, I work for India, through the national sports federation (NRAI). I tell the kids and anyone who comes to me for guidance, pursue your dream, slog for it.
People ask me if I was a bundle of talent and did not work hard. Let me tell you, talent is one thing. It has to be backed by sheer hard work, discipline and a big appetite for slogging. Let me tell you, some shooters have said they don’t want to work me as my methods are harsh. Come on, if instilling discipline is harsh, then let me be this way. I am happy to coach those who like my methods.
For those who keep talking of the two medals Manu won in Paris 2024, there was intense work and preparation. The same pattern has to continue. I repeat, I may not have slogged as hard as today’s shooters, but my advice is, no short cuts please. Today, I have a few more national shooters and bright talents to groom, with Esha Singh also working with me. I am open to teach and share what I learnt from my Gurus (coaches).
For success at the pinnacle, there is hard work and a method in madness. Look at how Abhinav Bindra slogged each day in his golden career. I mean, if I won medals, I knew how hard I had trained and how focussed I was for so many years. Passion, respect for coaches, all this is not old-fashioned. It is necessary in every sport.
As India prepares for the Asian Games in 2026 and the next Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028, I am happy I will possibly return to the USA after a long gap. My only Olympics was in 1996 in Atlanta.
When I look back, I feel I could have slogged more and aimed for a medal. Never mind, God has given me more opportunities, Paris was the first. I am sure I will see more Indian shooters win medals in the future.
Back to my first Nationals in Ahmedabad, I will share my viewpoint on India wanting to host the 2036 Olympics. Yes, India must stage it and this is more than a dream. As an Indian, I am proud India is serious about this bid and PT Usha Madam is there to take forward things. Our Prime Minister Narendra Modiji is behind this dream and so are so many more Indians.
An Olympics in India, why not? Let the dream come true. Jaspal Rana, India’s sharp shooter, winner of several Asian and Commonwealth games has been awarded with Padrmashree, Arjuna and Dronacharya awards.
(As told to S.Kannan, a sportswriter with 38 years experience in covering five Olympics and five Asian Games)
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