PANAJI: The sport of ‘shooting’ is growing in Goa! As the awareness is trickling, youngsters are turning their attention to this fascinating Olympic discipline. Mapusa-based teenager, Aditya Nikhil Sawant is one of those who discovered the facility recently and went on to impress on his way to qualifying for the national championship, in his first attempt.
Aditya, aged 15, told www.livenewsgoa.com how he made the transition from playing with toy guns at home to mastering the sporting equipment at a shooting academy in his hometown.
“I joined Yash Shooting Academy in June 2019. Before that, I was not even knowing about shooting. However, I was playing with toy guns and my father recognised my interest and he encouraged me to join shooting academy,” stated Aditya, who is studying in 10th Std at New Goa High School.
Aditya hailed coach Bhageshri Padloskar and her son Yash Padloskar, KIYG 2019 silver-medallist and international rifle shooter, who has been the face of the sport in Goa for a decade now. “Coach Bhageshri ma’am explained me everything about shooting. The best thing was the support of ma’am and Yash Padloskar. Yash is my inspiration!,” beamed Aditya.
Aditya did exceedingly well at the state level to start with and won 2 gold medals. He was even looked at as a medal prospect at the national qualification event. “I focused more in shooting after success at the state championship as the winning moment made my coach and parents proud. Looking at them, I felt proud!,” asserted Aditya, whose score of 374 saw him being selected for the 8th West Zone Shooting Championship in Gujarat.
Due to the second wave of Covid-19, a frustrating lull enveloped the sporting activity. Due to this disastrous stoppage, Aditya’s preparations were hit hard and he found it tough to regain his confidence.
“During my practice match-up in Ahmedabad, I was very nervous looking at the competitors and lost my confidence. My body didn’t support me and the shots were bad. I told my coach and father, they both encouraged and supported me due to which, I was feeling confident on the match day. I was relaxed and went on to enjoy the match. As a result, I scored 386 and secured Rank 6 in sub-youth and 13th in youth category. As it was my first attempt, I was satisfied, but it was not what I had planned (to achieve). I’ll give my best at the upcoming national championship,” promised Aditya.
