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Suruchi Singh's journey to becoming a prominent figure in Indian shooting is a testament to the power of familial support, dedicated coaching, and seizing unexpected opportunities. Initially steered towards wrestling by her father, Havildar Inder Singh, who drew inspiration from his cousin, Virender Singh aka "Goonga Pehalwan," a Deaflympic gold medalist, Suruchi found her true calling in shooting. The story unfolds in the backdrop of Bhiwani, a town renowned as the cradle of Indian boxing, having produced legends like Vijender Singh and Hawa Singh. This seemingly unrelated geographical context adds an interesting dimension to Suruchi's narrative, suggesting a culture of sporting excellence ingrained in the region. Inder Singh's ambition for his daughter led him to explore alternative sports that would better suit her potential, a pivotal decision that ultimately shaped her destiny. The turning point came when the 13-year-old Suruchi visited Bhiwani and decided to try her hand at shooting. She enrolled at the Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy, under the guidance of coach Suresh Singh, marking the beginning of her formal training. Fast forward to Tuesday, and the 18-year-old Suruchi achieved a significant milestone, securing her second consecutive gold medal at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, in the women's 10m air pistol event. This victory was particularly impressive as she outperformed seasoned competitor and double Olympic medalist, Manu Bhaker, solidifying her position as one of the most promising talents in the shooting world. The narrative is enriched by the personal anecdotes and insights provided by Suruchi's father and her initial coach, Anil Jakhar. Inder Singh's unwavering commitment to his daughter's shooting career is evident in his post-retirement focus on her training and development. He ensured that her practice continued uninterrupted even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting his dedication and resourcefulness. A crucial element in Suruchi's journey was the availability of a shooting range in her village, Sasroli. The Kargil Shooting Academy, run by Kargil war veteran Anil Jakhar, proved to be a blessing in disguise during the pandemic, allowing her to maintain her training regimen when access to the academy in Bhiwani was restricted. Jakhar's role in Suruchi's early development is significant, as he provided her with foundational training and guidance. He also reveals that Manu Bhaker, another prominent shooter, had also trained with him, further underscoring the academy's reputation as a training ground for aspiring marksmen and markswomen. The fact that Suruchi was able to join the Indian team while training at Jakhar's academy speaks volumes about her talent and the quality of training she received. After the pandemic subsided, Suruchi resumed her training in Bhiwani, continuing her progress under the tutelage of Suresh Singh. The collaborative effort of Inder Singh, Anil Jakhar, and Suresh Singh highlights the importance of a strong support network in nurturing young athletes. The article also emphasizes Suruchi's grounded nature and her commitment to her studies and household responsibilities. This portrayal suggests that she is not only a talented athlete but also a well-rounded individual with a strong work ethic. The article concludes with the anticipation of Suruchi's future prospects and the possibility of her competing in the Olympics. Her father expresses his belief that her hard work will be rewarded and that she will achieve her dreams of Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games glory. This optimistic outlook reflects the hopes and aspirations of a nation that is increasingly investing in and celebrating its athletes.
The narrative carefully weaves together the threads of family influence, coaching expertise, and the serendipitous availability of resources, demonstrating how these factors converged to propel Suruchi Singh towards success. Her father's initial vision of her as a wrestler, inspired by his cousin 'Goonga Pehalwan', a decorated Deaflympic wrestler, provides an interesting contrast to her eventual choice of shooting. This highlights the importance of allowing young athletes to explore different sporting avenues to discover their true passion and potential. The fact that Suruchi's father recognized her lack of enthusiasm for wrestling and actively sought out a sport that would better suit her abilities underscores his dedication to her overall development. Bhiwani's reputation as a 'cradle of Indian boxing' provides a fascinating backdrop to Suruchi's story. While boxing and shooting are distinct sports, the region's established culture of sporting excellence likely played a role in fostering her ambition and providing her with access to training facilities and coaching expertise. The Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy, where Suruchi began her formal training, is named after a legendary figure in Indian mythology, a revered archery teacher. This symbolic association adds a layer of cultural significance to her training environment, suggesting a connection to a rich tradition of skill and precision. Suruchi's victory over Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medalist, at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, is a defining moment in her career. This achievement not only demonstrates her exceptional talent but also signals her arrival as a serious contender on the international stage. The fact that she secured her second consecutive gold medal at the World Cup further solidifies her position as one of the most promising faces in Indian shooting. The role of Anil Jakhar, a Kargil war veteran, in Suruchi's early development is particularly noteworthy. His establishment of the Kargil Shooting Academy in Sasroli provided her with a crucial training resource during the COVID-19 pandemic when access to other facilities was limited. His experience as a soldier likely instilled in him a sense of discipline and dedication, qualities that he undoubtedly imparted to Suruchi during her training. The close proximity of Jakhar's academy to Suruchi's house was a significant advantage, allowing her to continue her training uninterrupted during a period of widespread disruption. This highlights the importance of local resources and community support in fostering young athletes. The article also emphasizes the importance of perseverance and hard work in Suruchi's success. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, she remained committed to her training, demonstrating a strong work ethic and a determination to achieve her goals. Her father's unwavering support and his efforts to ensure that she had access to the necessary resources played a crucial role in her ability to overcome these challenges. The article concludes with a hopeful outlook on Suruchi's future prospects, suggesting that she has the potential to achieve even greater success on the international stage. Her father's belief that she will achieve her dreams of Olympic, Commonwealth, and Asian Games glory reflects the confidence and optimism that surrounds her career.
The narrative implicitly underscores the evolving landscape of Indian sports, where shooting is gaining prominence alongside traditional sports like wrestling and boxing. Suruchi Singh's journey exemplifies this shift, highlighting the growing popularity and recognition of shooting as a viable career path for young athletes. The success stories of shooters like Abhinav Bindra, the first Indian to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics, have undoubtedly inspired a new generation of aspiring marksmen and markswomen, contributing to the increasing popularity of the sport in India. The article also hints at the potential for increased investment in shooting infrastructure and training programs in India, as the country seeks to produce more world-class athletes in this discipline. The government's support for sports development, coupled with the efforts of private organizations and individuals, is likely to play a crucial role in fostering the growth of shooting in India. The narrative emphasizes the importance of identifying and nurturing talent at a young age. Suruchi Singh's early exposure to shooting, at the age of 13, allowed her to develop her skills and passion for the sport over time. The role of coaches like Suresh Singh and Anil Jakhar in providing her with guidance and training is also highlighted, underscoring the importance of mentorship in shaping young athletes. The article also touches upon the challenges faced by athletes from rural backgrounds, who often lack access to the same resources and opportunities as their urban counterparts. Suruchi Singh's story is a testament to the fact that talent can emerge from any background, and that with the right support and dedication, these athletes can achieve great things. The article also subtly promotes the values of discipline, hard work, and perseverance, which are essential for success in any field, not just sports. Suruchi Singh's commitment to her studies and household responsibilities, in addition to her shooting career, reflects her well-rounded character and her ability to balance multiple priorities. The narrative serves as an inspiration to other young athletes, encouraging them to pursue their dreams with passion and determination. It also highlights the importance of family support, coaching expertise, and community involvement in fostering the development of young athletes. The article concludes with a call for continued investment in sports development in India, particularly in shooting, to provide more opportunities for young athletes like Suruchi Singh to achieve their full potential. The future of Indian shooting looks bright, with a new generation of talented athletes emerging to challenge the established order and strive for international glory. Suruchi Singh is poised to be a leading figure in this new wave, inspiring countless others to follow in her footsteps and pursue their dreams of becoming world-class shooters.
Source: Suruchi Singh: How a shooting star took shape at India's boxing bastion