Elavenil Valarivan’s Rekindled Passion Fuels Olympic Aspirations

Elavenil Valarivan’s Rekindled Passion Fuels Olympic Aspirations

Elavenil Valarivan beamed with joy and shared warm embraces after concluding the Olympic selection trials in shooting on Sunday. Her impressive score of 254.3 in the final round, surpassing the world record, secured her victory in the competitive women’s 10m air rifle event. But beyond her triumph, there was a deeper sense of contentment for the 24-year-old shooter.

“I’m just enjoying the sport right now,” Elavenil said. “There are no longer days where I’m not happy shooting.”

This renewed joy marks a significant departure from her experience at the Tokyo Olympics, where Indian shooting endured its worst performance. However, in the subsequent months, Elavenil has not only rediscovered her love for the sport but also developed a thirst for continuous learning.

“It’s been eight years since I started competing, and every day I step onto the range, the game teaches me something new,” she explained. “There were times when I felt like I knew everything, but I’ve come to realize that there’s always more to learn.”

Through a rollercoaster of emotions, including disappointments and triumphs, Elavenil has emerged as a more resilient and dedicated shooter. The trials, which she approached with renewed intensity, served as a testament to her newfound joy and determination.

Overcoming a poor qualification round, she fended off challenges from younger competitors such as Tilottama Sen, Ramita Jindal, and Nancy. “I’ve been working on a lot of things, and I’m glad to see it paying off,” Elavenil said. Among her improvements is the development of her mental strength with the help of a psychologist.

Reflecting on her forgettable performance at the Tokyo Games, Elavenil draws lessons rather than bitterness. “Those experiences have helped me become more consistent and mentally strong, which plays a big role in my performance,” she said.

As she sets her sights on Paris, Elavenil’s belief in her abilities remains unwavering. “I knew I could do it again, and it was about pushing through the tough times,” she said. With this newfound passion and resilience, Elavenil Valarivan prepares to embark on her second Olympic journey, fueled by the joy of shooting and the determination to make her mark on the world stage.