Shooter Sarabjot Singh, who recently made headlines with his bronze medal win alongside Manu Bhaker in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the Paris Olympics, reflects on his journey to Olympic glory. Born into a farming family in Ambala, Haryana, Sarabjot's early love for football was overshadowed by a burgeoning passion for shooting. Despite the challenges, his perseverance and support from unexpected quarters paved the way for his success.
Growing up in a region renowned for producing wrestlers and track-and-field athletes, Sarabjot was initially drawn to football. However, his trajectory changed when he discovered shooting during a summer camp. Sarabjot vividly recalls the moment that solidified his shift in focus. “I've always been interested in football, but when I saw my friends shooting at that camp, I knew I wanted to try it too,” he said in an interview with IndiaToday.in. Convincing his father, a farmer, to support this new passion was no easy feat. His father was initially resistant, concerned about the cost of the sport. “It’s quite expensive; why not try another sport?” he had suggested.
Determined to follow his dream, Sarabjot enlisted the help of his school's chairman, who was a friend of his father's. The chairman’s intervention helped bridge the gap between father and son. “He spoke with my father and helped him understand that I should be given a chance to try shooting. He assured him that I would see good results,” Sarabjot explained. His first taste of success came when he won a silver medal at his district meet, a milestone that marked the beginning of his shooting career.
Since his return from Paris, Sarabjot has been busy attending various felicitation events. Despite the post-Olympic celebrations, he remains focused on his training. “This post-Olympic high lasts for about 2-3 months, and then it's back to basics—shooting and training. My nationals are in November, and I’ll start training for that,” he said. Sarabjot’s commitment to his craft underscores his dedication to continuous improvement and future success.
In terms of inspiration, Sarabjot cites Turkish shooter Yusuf Dikec as a source of motivation, though he admits he has not been particularly influenced by Indian sportspersons. “I mostly do self-talk. Ever since I began shooting, I've never felt the need to look up to anyone else. But Saurabh Chaudhary is there—we’re very friendly and spend a lot of time together, even in the hostel. Our conversations are really good, so he definitely comes second,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Sarabjot is already setting his sights on the Los Angeles Olympics and upcoming competitions. His impressive performance at his maiden Olympic Games has fueled his ambition as he prepares for the nationals and World Cup events later in the year. At just 22, Sarabjot Singh’s journey is a testament to his resilience and passion for shooting, as he continues to aim for greater heights in his sporting career.
