The sporting landscape of Chhattisgarh has witnessed another proud moment as Bilaspur's talented pistol shooter Shashank Masih has been bestowed with the prestigious Shaheed Pankaj Vikram Award in recognition of his outstanding athletic achievements. This notable accolade has sparked immense joy and a celebratory atmosphere among his family members, the local sporting fraternity, and the residents of Bilaspur. Expressing his views upon receiving this recognition, Shashank noted that the government's initiative to honor athletes alongside providing cash rewards is a commendable step. He believes that such financial and moral backing greatly assists athletes in sustaining their ongoing training regimes and preparing effectively for high-level upcoming competitions.
Rigorous Training and Demanding Routine
Shedding light on the journey behind his success, Shashank Masih explained that in a demanding discipline like pistol shooter, physical exertion alone is not sufficient; mental fortitude and deep concentration are equally vital. His daily routine commences early in the morning at around five o'clock. The day begins with yoga, meditation, and mental concentration exercises, followed by shooting practice starting sharply at around seven in the morning. He dedicates roughly two to two-and-a-half hours to practice during the morning session, while also putting in an additional one to one-and-a-half hours of training in the evening. According to Shashank, the coordination between the body and the mind plays a pivotal role in shooting sports. Maintaining focus while taking aim and keeping emotional equilibrium intact is what creates the major difference in a competitor's success.
Constant Drive to Elevate Performance
Despite being honored with the state sports award, Shashank maintains that his current efforts are not yet sufficient, and he is actively working on elevating the overall quality of his training. Alongside maintaining his physical and mental fitness, he is continuously striving to optimize his diet plan, sleep schedule, and training hours. Shashank asserts that the more disciplined and rigorous the training is, the better the opportunities will be to perform at elite-level tournaments. His primary goal moving forward is to continually refine his technique and push his performance to greater heights.
A Success Mantra for Young Athletes
Offering a guiding message to aspiring young athletes, Shashank emphasized that relentless hard work and immense patience are mandatory for achieving any major ambition in life. He advised athletes never to keep small goals and urged them not to change their path upon facing early failures, but instead to persist with continuous attempts. He stated that failing to secure success in a couple of initial tries does not signify that a person is a failure, because persistent hard work eventually yields results one day.
Dreaming of an Olympic Medal for the Country
Shashank Masih's aspirations are no longer confined merely to state or national boundaries, as he now aims to represent India at international championships and the Olympic Games. His ultimate target is to clinch medals for the nation and for Chhattisgarh on the global stage. Shashank remarked that receiving the state sports alankaran award is a moment of profound joy and pride for him, but it marks not the end of his journey, rather a powerful inspiration to push further. With dedicated practice, strict discipline, and firm determination, Shashank is currently gearing up to bring glory to Chhattisgarh on both national and international platforms, serving as an inspiration for youth in Bilaspur who wish to build a future in sports.
