Pistol shooter Sarabjot Singh has set some undisclosed goals for himself at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Unlike other athletes who openly speak about their medal aspirations, Sarabjot, who will compete in the men’s 10m air pistol event, has a different approach. He emphasizes the importance of personal growth and achieving specific targets he’s set for himself during his training.
“Mine is a little different. I have to go there and achieve my goals. I have never achieved such goals in my training. These goals motivate me and make me confident. If I don’t achieve them, then I will feel like I have to do it again. It’s a technique type of thing,” Sarabjot explained while training in Luxembourg with other Indian Olympic hopefuls.
Despite the pressure of the Olympics, Sarabjot feels well-prepared, having faced tough competition in India. He’s not letting the weight of the event affect him, focusing solely on giving his best. “I don’t feel any pressure. I am giving my best, don’t feel low, don’t feel anything related to the Olympics. “Anjum (Moudgil) told me when I would see the environment in the Olympic Village, I would get to know a lot about it. I said, ‘Okay, let’s go and see.’”
The world No. 14, a junior world champion in both individual and mixed team competitions in 2021, is determined to excel in both events in Paris. He will compete with Manu Bhaker in the mixed team event. “Both mean a lot to me,” he said, adding, “We (Manu and I) talk a lot, it’s fun. We train well together…I am going in the right direction.”
Sarabjot’s journey is made even more special by the strong camaraderie within the Indian shooting team, especially the presence of fellow shooters from his home states of Haryana and Punjab. “There are several shooters from Haryana and Punjab and many of them are my friends.” His roommate, Arjun Cheema, a fellow Asian Games gold medalist, will also be joining him in Paris.
Sarabjot, who has secured three World Cup gold medals in 2023 and 2024, including one in Munich in June, and two Asian Games medals last year, hopes his personal coach, Abhishek Rana, will be present to support and witness his performance in Chateauroux. His dedication to his craft and his supportive team environment suggest he is poised for a successful Olympic campaign.
