Shooters from Chhattisgarh delivered an extraordinary performance at the 10th East Zone Shooting Championship, which took place in Asansol, West Bengal, from August 25 to 30. Leading the state's contingent were two talented female marksmen from Bilaspur, Vasudha Dadsena and 14-year-old Sanvi Maru, who brought immense pride to the state through their precision and skill. Out of a delegation of nearly 50 shooters representing Chhattisgarh at the event, this duo secured 6 medals. Their individual achievements propelled Chhattisgarh to a historic milestone, taking the state's total medal tally at the East Zone tournament to 9 for the first time.
Breakdown of Medals Won in Asansol
During the six-day championship held across rifle and pistol events in Asansol, 14-year-old Sanvi Maru showcased exceptional versatility in the 10-meter rifle category. Competing simultaneously across sub-youth, junior, and senior divisions, Sanvi clinched 1 silver and 3 bronze medals, taking her personal tally to 4 medals. Meanwhile, Vasudha Dadsena, a resident of Mangla in Bilaspur, demonstrated clinical accuracy in the pistol disciplines. Vasudha dominated both the junior and senior pistol categories, capturing 2 gold medals for her state.
Two Years of Dedicated Training and Daily Discipline
The stellar accomplishments of both shooters stem from two years of rigorous preparation and steadfast commitment. Sanvi Maru explained that preparing for this regional tournament required intensive work over a prolonged period. Her routine involves at least two hours of daily target shooting, accompanied by comprehensive physical warmups and conditioning exercises. Sanvi credited her achievements to the constant support of her parents and the strategic guidance of her coach. Vasudha Dadsena similarly attributed her gold medal victories to maintaining a strict training regimen over the past two years. Her daily schedule demands waking up early in the morning, completing grueling fitness workouts, and strictly monitoring her nutrition and diet. Looking ahead, both athletes have set their sights on representing India at the Olympic Games and winning medals on the world stage.
Trajectory From State Level to Zonal Dominance
The triumph in Asansol builds directly upon the groundwork laid during the state championship earlier. At the 25th Chhattisgarh State Shooting Championship held at the Mana Range in Raipur, shooters from Bilaspur delivered a dominant display by winning 32 medals, including 21 gold medals. In that state competition, Vasudha Dadsena claimed 4 gold medals, while Sanvi Maru secured 6 gold medals. That performance enabled 17 shooters from the state to qualify for the zonal and pre-national stages.
Coach Shashank Masih on Willpower and Future Goals
Reflecting on the athletes' journey, Coach Shashank Masih emphasized that achieving success at higher competitive levels requires mental willpower alongside technical training. He noted that while Chhattisgarh shooters once struggled to secure medals even at the state level, these athletes have transformed their standing through continuous hard work and discipline. Coach Masih advised young sports enthusiasts that setting ambitious goals early is essential for growth. He also counseled rising players to stay disciplined and focus on their sport by avoiding distractions such as social media and junk food. The achievements of Vasudha and Sanvi have brought widespread celebration across Bilaspur and all of Chhattisgarh as both markswomen continue their pursuit of Olympic glory.
