Khelo India Youth Games: 19-year-old clinches gold, will now chase Olympic dream

Ayushi Podder from West Bengal paired with Amartya Mukherjee and clinched gold in 10m air rifle mixed event of Khelo India Youth Games on January 15. With this victory, 19-year-old Podder will t only fulfilling her dream of representing India in Olympics but will also give wings to her far, Pankaj Podder's aspirations. Pankaj is an active shooter in Indian Railways shooting team and still competes to win, however, lack of funds kept Olympics for him as a far-off dream. 

Shortly after winning medal, Ayushi said, “My dream is to represent India in Olympics; it is something that my far could t man due to financial constraints. You may t believe it but we train toger, each preparing for our own competition”.

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Khelo India scheme helped Ayushi

Pankaj runs an acemy in Hooghly and coaches nearly 12 to 14 shooters apart from her own daughter. refore, Ayushi elaborated how sport has been a part of her life since birth and was expected to take up shooting at some point of her life. 19-year-old finally tried her hands on 'expensive sport' in 2013 and Ayushi's family struggled to provide equipment. However, Khelo India scheme eased burden of funds of shooting and paved a way for her to compete without any financial burden. 

Ayushi said, “It was quite difficult for us to procure equipment before Khelo India scheme began, especially 50m events which require rifle and ammunition. But I have a decent number of sponsors w so we are good”.

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Furrmore, this far-daughter duo has alrey planned a way till 2024 Olympics which would require Ayushi to move from one category to ar seamlessly. proud far mentioned that his daughter is doing well in 50m rifle 3 positions women and called it her “main event”. According to Pankaj, shooters have a chance to lose ir grip on sport during transition from one category to or. 

“What we have to ensure is that Ayushi moves from one category to or seamlessly. I've seen shooters lose a grip on sport when y move from junior category to senior category or youth category to junior category. We want to ensure that Ayushi handles transition well," Pankaj revealed. 

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