Suruchi Phogat at the launch of the logo of the Shooting League of India at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Delhi on Thursday.
| Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan
With three gold medals and a bronze in the four events that she competed in the last two World Cups in Buenos Aires and Lima, Shruti Phogat is easily the golden girl of Indian shooting at the moment.
As the Indian team was getting ready to leave for the World Cup in Munich, Germany, and at the launch of the logo of the Shooting League of India (SLI) at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Tughlakabad, Shruti said that she would continue to aim to be at her best, and not worry about the scores.
Cheerful and soft spoken, but with a clear mind, the 19-year-old Shruti revealed that she does not try hard to shoot better scores but does everything possible to shoot at her best in every event she competes.
“From the national trials, National championships, National Games, to the trials again, and now in World Cups, the advice by coach Suresh Singh has worked very well for me. I believe that the better scores would happen along the way, if I stick to the right process,” said Suruchi, at ease in keeping things simple.
She did recall the advice by seasoned shooter Jitu Rai, who is now with the Indian team as coach, about a few finer points that has helped her be at her best, her normal self, in international competitions.
“I am happy to have won three gold medals so far. I want to win medals in Munich. The World champonships later in the season, is bigger and then there is the Asian Championship also. I also want to do well in the World Cup Finals, as my name has already been confirmed,” said Suruchi, quite pleased to be adding to her international exposure.
Every shooter would love to know the secrets of Suruchi to be so remarkably consistent in the international arena, and her younger brother Nishant is no exception.
“He also shoots air pistol. He shoots 580 in practice. He does want to know what I do to win all these gold medals. I just tell him that when he gets to that level, it would happen on its own for him also,” said Suruchi.
A first year student of B.A., Suruchi plans to move to the Chandigarh University for the great support it extends to sportspersons.
“I want to compete in the World University championships,” said Suruchi, content to stick to the air pistol, and not venture into the world of 25-metre sports pistol.
“There is so much to learn and achieve in air pistol. I want to stay focused on it, without complicating matters with another event, for now,” she added.
If simplicity in character, manner and style is the supreme excellence, the cheerful Suruchi is a classic example. Her beaming face with the charming smile is bound to be seen more often as Suruchi steps out to show her prowess in the international arena.
Published – June 05, 2025 06:23 pm IST
