The adage “practice makes a man perfect” encapsulates the remarkable journey of Indian athlete Akhil Sheoran.
As a key member of India’s 50-metre rifle men’s team, he clinched a Gold medal, establishing a new world record at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Other members in the team included Aishwary Tomar and Swapnil Kusale.
Back in 2008, while Sheoran was just an eighth-grade student at Godwin Public School in Meerut, he stumbled upon the world of shooting. Little did he know then that those early moments of fascination, watching others practise under a tree at the school, would eventually shape him into an iconic figure in the shooting world, inspiring countless youngsters along the way.
“Shooting is incredibly popular in my village. I began my journey in this sport on my parents’ suggestion, with the hope that it would open doors for a sports quota job opportunity for me. I hail from the same village as the renowned shooter Dadi Chandro Tomar. Her legacy was a constant topic of conversation among the villagers,” 28-year-old Sheoran, born in Baraut, Uttar Pradesh, told The Pioneer.
As Sheoran began to excel in the sport after school, his commitment deepened. But climbing the ranks was not a cakewalk for a farmer’s son, given the high costs associated with shooting games. With unwavering support from his parents, he persevered in his training.
“When I earned a spot in the Indian team, the responsibility of purchasing my own equipment and funding my training expenses fell upon me. At that time, I faced financial constraints and lacked the necessary funds. It was the support of my parents that made it possible for me to reach the position I hold today.
“My family even took a loan on interest to help me acquire my guns and sustain my practice,” said the shooter, a Delhi University’s Hansraj College graduate who completed his MBA from Jamia Millia Islamia.
The Asian Games accomplishment is just one of the many achievements he has earned in recent years.
He won a Gold medal at the 2023 ISSF World Shooting Championship in Baku, Azerbaijan, in the men’s 50m rifle 3-position team event, along with a Bronze in the individual men’s 50m rifle 3-position event. Having secured his qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024, Sheoran now aspires to fetch a Gold medal from the biggest sporting event.
“We are ready for the Olympics...It is my first medal in the Asian Games, and I dedicate it to my parents, coaches, Government, federation, and support staff,” he said.
However, Sheoran’s rise to stardom is not without cost. His busy schedule with national and international commitments prevents him from visiting his family. “My family members reside in a village in UP, and I have not been able to visit them for several months. I really miss them. Last month when I visited my village for a few hours,” he said.
Reacting on India’s best ever haul at the Asian Games this year, the shooter said, “Our belief in reaching the 100-medal milestone was steadfast. Every athlete diligently followed their training routines in the pursuit of this objective.
“The Government has played a vital role in lifting the spirits of athletes and improving hostel and stadium facilities. There is potential for young talents to shine if they perform well at a young age.”
The Sports Authority of India and our federation left not stone unturned, he said. From inviting foreign coaches and arranging the players’ foreign tours for international exposure have been immensly helpful, he added.
Sheoran’s advice for young shooters is to maintain perseverance while keeping their focus on the bullseye.
