Rhythm Sangwan Emphasises Jitu Rai's Positive Role in Her Shooting Journey

Young shooter Rhythm Sangwan finds inspiration in her idol, Jitu Rai, who has joined the Indian shooting coaching team. His presence is a significant boost as she navigates fierce competition from fellow talented shooters.

With a busy 2026 season ahead, including major events like the Asian Games and ISSF World Cup, Rhythm is focusing on her process to achieve success.

The upcoming Asian Rifle and Pistol Championship in Delhi is a key event for Rhythm. Scheduled from February 2 to 14 at the Dr. Karni Singh Range, it will see participation from over 300 shooters across 17 countries. Rhythm, hailing from Delhi, anticipates strong family support during this event, which she believes will enhance her performance.

Asian Championship Focus

Rhythm's strategy is to concentrate on one event at a time, starting with the Asian Championship. "My approach is to take it one step at a time. So, currently I'm just focusing on the Asian championship. We'll see it as we move forward," she shared during an interaction. She emphasises the importance of focusing on the process to achieve desired results.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) recently revamped its coaching staff, appointing Jaspal Rana as the high-performance coach for the 25m pistol team and Olympian Jitu Rai as the 10m air pistol coach. These changes have created a positive atmosphere within the team, motivating shooters like Rhythm.

Olympic Experience and Achievements

Rhythm made her Olympic debut in Paris in 2024, competing in two events. She finished 15th in the women's 10m air pistol and 10th in the mixed team event with Arjun Cheema. Although she didn't reach the finals, the experience was invaluable for handling challenging situations.

Reflecting on past competitions, Rhythm recalls participating in the World Cup Finals in Delhi and enjoying her time at the ISSF World Cup in China last year. These experiences have contributed significantly to her growth as a shooter.

Notable Accomplishments

Among her early achievements, Rhythm won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ISSF World Cup in Cairo in 2024. She also set a new world record by scoring 595 points in the women's 25m pistol qualification round at the World Cup in Baku in 2023.

In national trials last February, she triumphed over double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker in a shoot-off to win the women's 25m sports pistol event. This victory highlights her potential and determination to excel on both national and international stages.

Rhythm acknowledges both advantages and challenges of competing at home due to high expectations from local supporters. However, she remains optimistic about overcoming these pressures and delivering strong performances. Her journey continues with valuable lessons learned from each competition, shaping her into a formidable competitor on the global stage.

With inputs from PTI