The lawyer-turned-shooter focuses on giving his best shot in every competition he participates.
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World No. 1 pistol shooter Abhishek Verma sets his focus on the upcoming Tokyo Olympics as he chooses not to be distracted by reports in the international press about the uncertainty around the conduct of the Games amid the coronavirus pandemic. “I am not even thinking about whether the Olympics will be held or not,” the 30 year-old said at a media interaction facilitated by Sports Authority of India.
“I am training with the belief that it will go ahead. Whatever is the next competition, I am focusing on that,” he added. Responding to a question on how Tokyo 2020 would be different and how it brings about changes to the routine of athletes, Verma replied, “I focus on how I can give my best on every shot in every competition. Whatever external situation arises, I will adapt to that.”
“Even in the World Cup here last month, we had to make certain adjustments, like wearing masks. There were shields separating shooting lanes. It was awkward constantly having to remember to put on the mask. Whatever be the situation, we have to face it and adapt. The most important thing is performance,” he asserted.
Verma, an advocate in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, started shooting competitively only at the age of 27. Verma feels age is no bar to becoming a successful shooter. “People look at me and say that they are 23 or 24 and ask if they can start shooting,” he said.
“I tell them I started at 27. Once I realised I liked shooting, I worked hard on it and not just like a hobby, that is why I am in the Indian team. Age does not matter but if you were willing to work hard, you can achieve anything.”
The lawyer-turned-shooter rose to fame by winning a bronze medal at the 2018 Asian Games. He followed that up with a gold medal at the 2019 Beijing World Cup with which he won a quota place at the Tokyo Olympics. Verma also won the gold medal the same year at the Rio de Janeiro World Cup.
He was inducted in the Target Olympic Podium Scheme in December 2018 and has so far received Rs. 16.73 lakh through out of pocket allowance and customised support.
