Top shooters hit bull’s-eye in academics
“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest”, a saying by American author Benjamin Franklin assumes significance considering the decision of top Indian shooters to continue their studies while gaining fame at the national and international levels. Four Olympian and international shooters — Manu Bhaker, Sarabjot Singh, Vijayveer Sidhu and his brother Udayveer Sidhu — have completed their postgraduation with good marks.
The 2024 Paris Olympic bronze medallist shooters Manu and Sarabjot, along with another Olympian shooter Vijayveer and his international shooter brother Udayveer, completed their degree in MA Public Administration with flying colours from Panjab University. They continued their studies at DAV College, Sector 10.
Manu, who is the first Indian woman shooter to win an Olympic medal (bronze) in the women’s 10m air pistol event and to reach an Olympic final in an individual event in 20 years, raced ahead by scoring 1,484 marks, out of a total of 2000 (74.2 per cent). Sarabjot, who scripted history by winning the bronze medal in the 10m air pistol mixed team event along with Manu at the Paris Olympics, passed with 1,370 marks (68.5 per cent). Vijayveer, who represented India in the same Olympics in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event, secured 1,470 marks (73.5 per cent) and Udayveer, who has won a medal in the ISSF World Shooting Championship, scored 1,417 marks (70.8 per cent).
The exam for the final semester was held last year in August, soon after the Paris Olympics.
Though the final scores of these shooters varied, all of them credited shooting for this feat. “There’s one thing in common, both shooting and academics need a good focus. The sport has made me realise the importance of concentration for completing any project in my life. Be it any competition, training or studies, concentrating on the aim is a must. I am happy passing my examination with first division and 80 credit points to my kitty,” said Manu, who is yet to plan on pursuing academics further.
Vijayveer also stressed the importance of education in the life of a sportsperson. “We all have been into shooting for over a decade now. Given our busy schedule of tournaments, we usually have less time to prepare for examinations. However, shooting has developed our mind in such a manner that we can adapt to any situation or shift our focus quickly,” said Vijayveer, who also credited his teachers Dr Amanendra Mann and Chetna for his success. “Education is really important, especially for a sportsperson. Without having a required degree, no one will offer any job — no matter how big the achievement. It also develops personality. Without education, the achievements in any sport are just temporary,” he added.
“The life of a sportsperson passes through a lot of hardship, and these shooters have proved that one could strike a balance between education and sports, if planned accordingly. Shooters have an edge over other sportspersons in terms of having a better mental training and focus on their aim despite being under immense pressure. ,” said Mann, Associate Professor, Physical Education, DAV College.
