An Interview with Shooter, Gautami Pandit.

         Today I'm posting an interview with a national shooter, Gautami Pandit. Not only has she chosen an exhilarating sport but is on her way towards excellence. Here's an interview with Gautami who I'm proud to call my sister.

1. Which titles have you accomplished so far?
          I won 2 Golds at Nationals after qualifying States. So I guess I am a National winner.

2. What inspired you to take up shooting? Do you have an idol?
          It just happened. I was getting bored at home so my mom told me to take up some sport and I decided Shooting. Anjali Bhagwat is my role model in Shooting.

L-R: Vivek Pandit (father), Anjali Bhagwat, Gautami Pandit, Vaidehi Pandit (mother).

3. According to you, what is the best thing about the sport?

          I think the best part is there is no partiality in it. The scores are displayed on a big scoreboard and the target is also computerised. So there is no scope of tampering with the score. And the targets are extremely accurate.

4. How has your family, college & coaches supported you?

          Everything was totally new for my parents. It was a nice experience for them. My college helped me through the entire registration procedure. My coach also helped me a lot and all the other senior shooters helped me a lot too.

Anjali Bhagwat with Gautami Pandit and Vaishnavi.

5. What sort of preparation you have to do? Do you follow a rigorous workout and a balanced diet?

          You just need to practice honestly everyday. I actually was on a 2 month break because of my boards. So I practiced more than usual to make up for the break. We all have a common warm up to do before a match or even before practice. And I usually avoid oily food before a match and eat a lot of carbs.

6. You have played individually and also as a team player? Which do you like the best?

          I haven’t exactly played in a team. Honestly, I met my teammates after we got qualified for National camp. But I still like to play individually.

Gautami with her team mates and coach.

7. How do you keep yourself motivated?

          This was my first year in shooting and everything was new to me. So I had curiosity about everything. There was no need of motivation honestly. It was just natural.

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?

          My strength is that I don’t let a bad shot affect me. I just let it go and shoot a better shot the next time. My weakness you can say is I tend to rush a lot while shooting which I should really stop.

9. Would you like to share one of your happiest moments during your journey?

          The moment I heard that I got qualified for Nationals. I was dancing.

L-R: Gautami Pandit, Anjali Bhagwat, Aradhya Bhagwat.

10. What did shooting teach you? How has it enhanced your life?

          It has improved my concentration so much. I used to get easily distracted before, but now I am not distracted as easily.

11. What are your future goals?

          I want to get selected for the Indian Squad and play an International match once in my lifetime.

12. Anything else you would like to share?
          Everyone should take up a sport. It’s so relaxing. You forget your problems for that period of time. And it’s fun!

          Those are the brilliant words of a national Shooter, Gautami Pandit. I would like to thank her for doing this interview and I wish her all the best in her future matches and endeavors.

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Congratulations Saina Nehwal!

          India is a country wherein three things are worshiped greatly; politics, bollywood and cricket. These have taken so much importance over the years that other fields are neglected. If some one has good looks, then there is nothing else but bollywood. If someone is good at sports, then there is a high chance that he/she will be dragged into cricket. On the other hand, if someone is playing really good badminton on the streets, then he/she is just said to be lucky for the day. Playing badminton is something every person has done as a child. It is even assumed to be a simple game. Well, firstly, badminton isn't as simple as it looks. Street badminton is nothing like playing badminton indoors. Even though the court is small, there are numerous things to be practiced. Badminton is not just about smashes. It is about the proper serve, high tosses, clever drops and fast smashes which make up an excellent rally. It is a game which requires an exercise of the entire body.
          In a country where academics is considered more important than talent, a small-town girl from Haryana made it to the international tournaments, won medals, received awards and made the country proud. Today, Saina Nehwal became the first ever Indian woman shuttler to be ranked 'World Number 1' in International Woman's Singles Badminton! Being a hardcore fan of badminton and Saina, I am delighted. Of all the women in badminton, she truly deserves this. Badminton has been Saina's life and blood ever since she was 8 years old. Saina dedicated her life to the sport. Her devotion, perseverance, mental and physical strength have been the key values which make her such a world class player.

Saina with her Olympic Bronze medal.

          Saina Nehwal has won Indonesia Super Series (2009, 2010, 2012), Singapore Super Series (2010), Hong Kong Super Series (2010), Indian Open (2010, 2014), Swiss Open (2011, 2012) and so many other tournaments that I have lost count. Not only did she win a bronze at the 2012 Olympics but also many national awards. Saina is the recipient of Arjuna award, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Padma Shri. And, of course, another accomplishment added today was the world number 1 rank.
          There are ups and downs in every sportsman's career but that is no reason to give up. That point is the time when they have to get up from scratch and fight back stronger than ever. Saina's matches are filed with such match-changing turns. It is always exciting  to watch her on court. Her brilliant techniques and unbelievable mental energy are the strong points that help her to win the match. If you have seen her matches, then you must have noticed a few things. Saina gives a 'drop' more than a 'smash'. She involves the opponent in long rallies rather than getting points by ending it with a few strokes. She knows the game and she savors it.
          It is because of her qualities of discipline and continuous practice, she has reached such a landmark position. The fact that she has become what she set out to be, gives an inspiration for all the players to keep working and improving towards excellence. Such achievements give hope and positivism about the future of Indian badminton. I heartily congratulate Saina Nehwal on this wonderful accomplishment. I wish her great victories in the future and I await the day when the top 10 ranks will be filled with Indian players.