How To Join The Precision Sport: An Enthusiast’s Guide To Air Weapon Shooting - Part 2

Discover the journey to become a professional air weapon shooter in India.

My story:-

Precision sport like archery and rifle shooting have always been my favorite since my childhood, and this passion didn’t develop overnight. When I was about ten years old, I used to take a school bus to reach my school. The route passed by a playground next to the famous Rabindra Sarobar Stadium in my city. The bus would often come to a stop in front of it due to a traffic signal. While my bus-mates frolicked inside, I used to bemuse myself by watching what's going on the playground.

Almost every day I found out that a group of archers, dressed in their distinctive arm guards and body outfits, practicing the sport diligently under the instructions of their trainer. One would carefully pick up an arrow from her quiver, place it on the bowstring and aligning it before taking the shot. And then before I could even blink, zap goes the arrow through the air and pierced through the target. What mesmerized me was the precision of each shot the archer took each time.

Until then, I had only read about ancient archers in school textbooks, imagining what they might have been like in real life. As an imaginative kid, I used to visualize famous kings and knights taking shot after shot, defeating their enemies with precision from their bows. Seeing archery practiced in real life, I realized that this ancient skill has found a place in the modern world, not in battle, but as a respected and challenging sport.

And that's how I got interested in precision sport like archery and shooting. I wanted to opt for archery but later settled down with my second favorite one - air weapon shooting.

For years, I waited for the right moment to pursue the sport. When the time finally came, I was already over 40 and uncertain whether it was the right decision to dive into such a disciplined activity. But later I explored about the precision sport and found out, age is just a number in this case, all you need is stamina and determination along with a few essential specifications.

The Steps to Follow To Join Shooting Sport:-

1. Determine the level of physical strength in your case:

Before actively pursuing air weapon shooting, it's important to assess your physical and physiological readiness. The sport requires physical strength to handle the rifle or pistol, which can weigh between 1.5 to 5.5 kg, and demands strong arms, hands, and upper body stability. Good body balance is crucial to remain still and avoid misalignment, while flexibility, especially in the posterior muscle chain (back, hamstrings, and glutes), helps maintain a steady stance for longer periods. Hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills, and controlled breathing are key to accurate shooting. Additionally, hand-grip strength is vital for holding the firearm steadily; ensure your hand, fingers, and forearm muscles are strong enough to endure the physical demands of the sport.

Read the article: Essential Physical Parameters for Success in Precision Sport

2. Assess your financial situation:

The costs involved in air weapon shooting sport can vary. The initial investments including the purchase of an air rifle or pistol, ammunition, protective gear, and possibly a membership or fees for a shooting range. Additional costs may include training or coaching fees, competition entry fees, and travel expenses for events. It's important to ensure that you have the financial stability to sustain these ongoing costs without straining your budget. Planning ahead and setting aside funds for your sport can help ensure that you can fully dedicate yourself to learning and competing without financial stress.

3. Enroll in an academy:

Once you’ve assessed your physical readiness and financial condition, the next step is to enroll in a reputable academy or shooting range in your city/locality that offers training in air weapon shooting. Professional training will provide you with structured guidance, helping you develop the necessary skills, techniques, and discipline required for the sport. Experienced coaches can assist in improving your accuracy, stamina, and mental focus, while also ensuring you learn safety protocols and proper handling. Being part of an academy or shooting club also gives you access to practice facilities and opportunities to participate in competitions, further enhancing your learning and progression in the sport.

4. Enroll in the state-level association and NRAI:

Enrolling in the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and your state's shooting association is a crucial step in advancing your air weapon shooting journey. In every state in India there is a state-level body overseeing shooting sports in that region. Your coach/academy will guide you in getting enlisted under the state-level governing body of the sport. This affiliation will provide you with local training facilities, workshops, and the chance to compete in state-level events, as well as connect with the shooting community in your region.

The NRAI serves as the governing body for shooting sports in India, offering resources, training programs, and opportunities to participate in national level competitions. By becoming a verified shooter member, you gain access to a network of professionals and enthusiasts, enhancing your skills and knowledge.

5. Practice and participate in shooting events in your locality:

Engaging in regular practice and participating in local shooting events organized by clubs/shooting association of the state are essential steps to enhance your proficiency in air weapon shooting. These events provide valuable experience, help you gauge your progress, and offer opportunities to compete against others.

6. Go for the state championship:

Participating in the state championship not only enhances your shooting skills but also opens doors to higher levels of competition and recognition in the sport.

7. Clear the zonal level:

Advancing through zonal competitions is a crucial step in elevating your air weapon shooting career. These events serve as qualifiers for national championships and offer valuable experience in competitive settings. Success in zonal competitions not only boosts your confidence but also paves the way for participation in national events, bringing you closer to achieving excellence in air weapon shooting.

8. Get selected for the nationals:

Advancing to the National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) is a significant milestone in an air weapon shooter's career. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) oversees the selection process, which is primarily based on performance in domestic competitions.

9. Get selected for the international games:

Advancing from national to international shooting competitions is a significant achievement that requires exceptional skill, consistent performance, and strategic planning. The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) outlines specific criteria for selecting shooters for international events, including World Cups and the Olympics.

So, what's stopping you from diving into the world of air weapon shooting? Whether it's the thrill of mastering a new skill, the challenge of competing at higher levels, or the sheer satisfaction of improving with every shot, the journey starts with a single step. Don’t let hesitation hold you back—start today, and who knows, the next time you pull the trigger, you might just hit your target on the mark!

Reference:

• International Shooting Sport Federation
• National Rifle Association of India