Anjali Bhagwat “Ace Shooter Aims high!”

Anjali Bhagwat is a professional shooter, who is truly responsible for
making shooting such a popular sport in India. SANDEEP HATTANGADI caught up with her to know more about her and her sport

What are your major achievements?
I became the World Number One in 10m Air Rifle in 2002. I also won my first World Cup Final in Milan, in 2003, with a score of 399/400. I won the ISSF Champion of Champions award and am the only Indian to win the ISSF Champions’ Trophy in Air Rifle Men & Women mixed event at Munich in 2002. I have represented India in three consecutive Olympics, and was a finalist in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, again a first for any Indian women shooter. I have won 12 gold and 4 silver medals in the Commonwealth Games. I am a Commonwealth record holder in 10m Air Rifle and Sports Rifle 3P. In the 2003 Afro-Asian Games, I created history by becoming the first Indian woman shooter to get gold and a silver medal in the Sports 3P and Air Rifle events respectively. To date, I have won 31 Gold, 23 Silver and 7 Bronze medals. I have set 13 new records in International competitions and have won 55 Gold, 35 Silver and 16 Bronze medals, with 8 new records in national competitions in India.

You are credited with the resurgence of shooting as a sport in India.
Yes. Previously I used to see only around 300 participants in events but now I see more than 1000 participants, which was unheard of. Many women too have taken up this sport, both as an amateur and professionally. Even the government is helping out new shooting sportsmen with better facilities and better guns and better infrastructure. But much more can be done as there are a very few shooting ranges in India. I hope we have small shooting ranges all over the country to encourage the sport. I live in Pune, Balewadi sports complex is the closest to me but is still far away from my house.

Do you feel we can get medals in the next Olympics?
It’s like, if a sportsman or woman performs well on that specific day, she or he is likely to get a medal as there is tough competition and on an international level it is always tough to gain medals. I believe in performing the best rather than just go on winning medals.

What are the requisites to be a good shooter?
Physical fitness, patience, good eyesight, focus and good body balance which can be achieved through yoga. Running as a sport is also helpful. The sportsman should be weight conscious and should be a fit and trim person. Standing in one position for more than three hours is not easy and you have to achieve that body perfection with good exercise, good diet and good habits. He or she should also have a lot of concentration and he should work hard on his game.

Who in your opinion are good shooters in the country today?
Jitu Rai is an international name today and of course Abhinav Bindra. Tejaswini Sawant, Heena Sidhu, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore etc. Rajyavadhan Singh Rathore was the Sports Minister till recently and it augured well for sports as he understands the needs of the sportsmen and sports very well. He understands that for every major tournament, the preparations need to be started from four years earlier and we have to practice and practice hard to evolve as good shooters.

Which other games do you follow?
I follow cricket, Tennis and quite a few other sports.

What s your opinion about the recent Indian Women’s World Cup Cricket Team performance?
It was great and they deserve all the glory. I am proud for them and have always cheered them in every game. I am proud for their grand performance.

Has motherhood changed you in any way?
My son Aradhya has taught me how to deal with youngsters. I have learnt that small kids too have big egos. Each student’s nature and thought process is different. I’ve learnt that you can’t go on bossing them around because they will not accept it. You have to be their friend and build a rapport with them.

What do you feel are the negative points at present in the field of sports? Could you elaborate on the setbacks?
It is very simple; the new system of points wherein one shooter is eliminated after two rounds is something, which is not to the liking of many. This does keep the spectators guessing after very two shots. But, it is a setback for the shooters as one has to start afresh after every two shots which could be the reason.

How would you compare rules?
The ten rounds were good and I am very sure many would support me. According to the previous rules, the top eight shooters would go in the last final round of ten, and the shooter who tops after the rounds becomes the winner. But the present rules of two rounds, keeps everyone guessing and one has to start all over again which is a setback.

Tell us something about your husband Mandar Bhagwat?
In December 2000, I married Mumbai-based businessman, Mandar Bhagwat. We have a son named Aradhya born in 2010. In 2006, we shifted our base from Mumbai to Pune due city’s better sporting facilities. I am currently coaching six shooters in Pune, for which I also utilize my own range. The 10m range is a part of our house and I usually practice there.

What are your hobbies?
Music and Travel are my main hobbies. I have also acted in a Marathi film called Bokya Satbande. I have also walked the ramp for fashion designer Vikram Phadnis. I also teach blind students and write columns for different newspapers. I am a self-confessed foodie and my all time favorite food includes fish, tandoori chicken and red wine. Austria is my favorite destination and I have visited the country on many occasions. Yoga and meditation form a large part of my daily routine. My mother used to sing for All India Radio while my sister is a singer too. An avid reader, I enjoy reading fiction.