Haryana has long been celebrated as a stronghold of wrestling, where athletes have consistently proven their mettle on international platforms. However, the sporting landscape in Ambala is currently undergoing a notable transformation. A discipline that once attracted only a handful of participants is now capturing the imagination of the city's youth at a rapid pace. That discipline is shooting, and it is steadily reshaping the athletic ambitions of the region.
This massive surge in popularity is largely driven by the remarkable achievement of local star shooter Sarabjot Singh at the Paris Olympics. Witnessing an athlete from their own hometown claim a prestigious Olympic medal has instilled a profound sense of inspiration among local children and teenagers. Parents are now actively bringing their kids to professional training centers to help them take up the sport. Multiple shooting academies operate across Ambala, where young aspirants can be seen practicing rigorously during the morning and evening hours. After completing their school studies, these students incorporate dedicated training into their daily routines, with many spending two to four hours daily perfecting their aim. Coach Abhishek Rana, who previously mentored Sarabjot Singh, is actively working through his academies to onboard more youngsters into the sport, focusing not just on producing medalists, but on instilling discipline and direction in the youth.
Shedding light on the fundamentals of the sport, Balbir Singh, who once coached Abhishek Rana, explains that assessing a child's readiness is the crucial first step when they begin training. Discipline remains the absolute cornerstone of any athletic pursuit, and players who strictly follow their mentors and maintain consistent practice are the ones who ultimately excel. According to expert evaluation, children can generally commence shooting practice after turning around ten years of age. Initially, coaches carefully observe a young participant's innate focus, capacity, and interest before guiding them forward. Through relentless and disciplined practice, these athletes condition themselves for competitive arenas. Standout performers unlock pathways to national and international tournaments, while sports quotas further open up reliable career avenues in the army, navy, and various paramilitary forces.
The ground-level dedication among young practitioners is equally striking. Arihant has been practicing shooting for nearly a year, balancing his academic commitments by dedicating two to three hours every day to the shooting range after school. His ultimate aspiration is to emulate local sports icons who have brought glory to the nation at national and Olympic stages. Meanwhile, Rajendra Singh has spent the past three years training in the 10 meter air pistol event under the guidance of Abhishek Rana. He recently clinched a gold medal in the 10 meter air pistol category at the CBSE North Zone championship. With his sights now set on making a mark at the national level, Rajendra invests three to four hours daily into rigorous practice sessions.
