New Delhi: For five years from 2018, Saurabh Chaudhary would hold his Morini pistol so steady and shoot with such precision that it was assumed the prodigiously talented youngster would always win an Olympic medal for India.

Numerous gold medals in World Cups, an Asian Games title, world records, and a ranking as world No. 1 were achievements that continued to accumulate. However, during the Tokyo Olympics, he excelled in the 10m air pistol qualification with a score of 586 but ultimately placed seventh in the final. This was followed by a significant decline in performance during 2022-23, culminating in his departure from the national team.

At the National Championships, Saurabh successfully rediscovered his form, experiencing the sensation of executing a precise shot once again. In the 10m air pistol qualification, the 22-year-old achieved an impressive score of 591, setting a new national record. His series of scores—99, 97, 99, 99, 98, and 99—reflected the prowess reminiscent of his earlier performances.

On Sunday, he participated in a domestic final for the first time since 2021, and Saurabh acknowledged that it felt distinctly different. Although he finished fifth in the final, he expressed optimism for the future.

“It is not merely about the scores but the confidence with which you execute your shots that is crucial. I felt as though I was finally regaining that confidence when I set the national record in qualification. Understanding the areas where improvement is needed can take considerable time, even when they are apparent,” Saurabh remarked to HT.

“I was also engaged in consecutive events, which left me little time to focus on my shooting. The time spent away from the team has allowed me to train more effectively.”

Five years ago, the reserved teenager found it difficult to articulate his thoughts. Having rarely ventured beyond his humble home in Kalina village, Baghpat, Saurabh felt uneasy under the public gaze. Navigating through this challenging period, he gained profound insights into both his shooting and his own character.

Samaresh Jung, one of India’s premier pistol shooters and the national pistol coach, knows him better than anyone. Jung supported Saurabh even during his absence from the national squad. “He has matured and become more sensible. Previously, he acted without comprehension. Now, he possesses a deeper understanding of technical aspects and of himself,” Jung shared with HT.

Saurabh has confidence in Jung. One of the key pieces of advice Jung provided was to avoid excessive training. “I advised him not to dedicate too many hours to training, as it could lead to burnout. When you step away from the firing line, engage in other activities. This sport is more mental than physical,” he stated.

Coaches at the High Performance Centre in SAI, NCOE (National Centre of Excellence) supported the recommendation of Saurabh for the residential program at the Karni Singh Range.

“It can be mentally taxing for a young shooter like him to experience such significant success early in his career. What he required was a supportive environment with individuals who could offer guidance. The multitude of opinions regarding his shooting was creating confusion for him. He is a straightforward individual who simply needed reassurance about his skills,” remarked Deepak Dubey, who served as the High Performance coach for Khelo India when Saurabh joined the NCOE in 2023.

A job with the Railways last year provided him with the financial stability he sought. “Shooting has been my passion since childhood. I never had the opportunity to consider anything else. The job has allowed me to clear my mind,” Saurabh explained.

Following Jung’s guidance, Saurabh now trains both at NCOE and at home. “I don’t want him to spend all his time at the range. I have encouraged him to concentrate on his studies. It’s not a matter of having free time and thinking, ‘let’s go shooting,’” Jung emphasized.

“Taking a break from the Indian team has, in a way, benefited him by allowing him to train effectively and return. Otherwise, there was always the pressure to deliver results.” Manu Bhaker, after winning two medals at the Paris Olympics, expressed her hope that her original mixed event partner would soon return to peak performance in the sport.

This marks a new beginning for Saurabh, who aims to perform well in the upcoming trials next month and regain his position on the Indian team. “He has a straightforward approach. His consistency from 2018 to 2022 is remarkable. It is reassuring to see him back,” Jung concluded.

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