For MLA Shreyasi Singh, gold makes up for missed session

Vinayak Padmadeo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, December 3

Shreyasi Singh sounded a bit apologetic after winning the women’s trap gold medal in the National Shooting Championship in Patiala today. From being an active international shooter since 2008, Shreyasi made a successful leap into politics by winning the Jamui Assembly seat in Bihar in November last year.

The 30-year-old had to miss almost the entire length of the Vidhan Sabha Session that is currently on to train for the Nationals. The effort paid off as Shreyasi shot down 34 targets to win the gold medal.

Pragati Dubey finished in silver medal position after registering 31 hits followed by another seasoned international, Shagun Chowdhary, who scored 27 in the final.

Shreyasi said it was hard for her to find time for training as she has to devote a considerable amount of time to her constituency. “It has been hectic. I have to fly to Delhi to train as there is no shotgun range in Bihar,” Shreyasi said. “I trained for a couple of days in Patiala before the competition and that helped,” the BJP MLA added.

Shreyasi added that the number of participants — 80 women shooters, including from the junior ranks — was an encouraging sign for the future. Chowdhary mirrored Shreyasi’s thoughts, saying that the young shooters “will get better with time for sure”.