World No 13 Arjun Babuta, the ace shooter is the silver medalist at National Games 2022. He is from Chandigarh and competes in the 10 meter air rifle events. Arjun has been a part of the Indian Shooting Team since 2016. Arjun Babuta won one bronze in ISSF Junior World Cup 2018(Sydney). He won one gold medal and one bronze medal in 10m Air Rifle Event at ISSF Junior World Cup 2016, Gabala.
In a candid conversation with The Daily Guardian the ace shooter gives insights about his performance at the National Games. Excerpts:
Q. As we are talking, you look ready to leave for somewhere?
A. I’m traveling to Delhi for my World Championship’s camp right now.
Q. How are the preparations going on for your World Championship, Asian Games and also needless to mention Paris Olympics.
A. Preparations are good and the cherry on the cake is that we have foreign coaches and psychologists right now with us. The preparations are even better than before, so I’m looking forward to bigger performances this year.
Q. Arjun many congratulations on your winning silver medal at National Games, also how does it feel to win the same as it’s your maiden.
A. Thank you so much. I represented Punjab in National Games 2022, I participated in 2015 national games, but I was very young back then, so this time I have quite an idea about the national games and the level of competition. It felt really good to secure a place this time also the competition was good, the venue was good, the way it was organised, it seemed as if I have come to an international venue. Everything was great. It’s always actually great to see the games hiked to this standard in India. I’m very happy about the achievement of mine too.
Q. Arjun this National Games popped up all of a sudden, though all the shooters were gearing up for World Championships, Asian Games and Paris Olympics consecutively, so did you guys panicked a bit or you took it as in a good opportunity to boost your confidence for further tournaments.
A. Definitely. Personally, I took it as an opportunity. It was a good preparatory match, for my world championship. I could see how the things are working out and if I need to make some changes to my game plans and amend my strategies point blank. Everything is in place and, there’s still time for world championship, so I just need to go with the pace that I’m currently following or the things I’m currently doing.
Q. We have heard that Deepali Deshpande, your coach is a very discipline loving coach. How would you credit her for your wins.
A. Definitely the credit goes to the coach and all the team members, the support staff that are involved in the process. Actually, it’s more of their efforts as well because, they take care of my, physical, mental health and train me technically also. So it’s a great team.