Suruchi will compete in 10m air pistol.
| Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy
Suruchi Phogat first held a pistol in 2019, at the age of 13. She did so because there were no rifles at the Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy in Bhiwani; and because her father was determined to make her a sportsperson.
The 20-year-old will be one of the favourites to medal for India in 10m air pistol at the Asian Games later this month, as much because of her performance streak over the past 18 months as her ability to keep things simple. “Excitement. No nervousness, no challenge, nothing. There is only excitement inside me because it is my first Asian Games,” she said, a permanent wide smile on her face exuding an openness that only accentuates her clarity of thought.
The ‘baby’ of the Indian shooting contingent, Suruchi insisted everyone’s equal in the squad but admitted that certain members of the coaching and sports science staff are slightly more protective, telling her what to do and expect while travelling.
It is a throwback to the time she took the local trains for a 100-km journey from Sasroli village in Jhajjar district of Haryana to the academy.
“My father and brother accompanied me. At that time, of course no one knew but once the results and medals started coming, the regulars on the train would recognise me. They would say they had seen my face in the local newspapers and be curious. I would tell them that I am a shooter. It’s not like I suddenly became famous or anything but yes, it was the beginning of a realisation that I am doing something,” she laughed.
Making the cut for Nagoya has been an eventful journey that has seen her win four consecutive World Cups and the World Cup Final, set a National record in 10m air pistol and a World Junior Record in the process and rise to World No. 3. It is only the beginning.
Published – September 07, 2026 07:15 pm IST
