Armed with a golden touch

It’s in his blood. Trap shooter Manavjit Singh Sandhu, the former World No. 1 literally grew up with a gun in his hands, His father Gurbir Singh Sandhu too was an accomplished shooter and he took to the sport as a duck takes to water.

“My father is an Olympian and Arjuna Awardee in shooting and I grew up on the range. There was never any doubt about my joining this sport. He is my idol as he motivated me and showed me the way,” said Manavjit, who at the age of 22 went on to win gold at the 1998 Commonwealth Games before clinching four silver medals at the Asian Games that year and never looked back.

The past two years were difficult for Manavjit as his form and consistency took a dip and he slipped to No. 16 in the world rankings. However, the 37-year-old seems to have got it all sorted out as he clinched gold at the Shotgun World Cup in Tucson, USA, this month.

Manavjit, who is revelling in his new-found success, pipped two-time Olympic champion Michael Diamond of Australia in the final. “It was actually a relief. The semi-final was quite tough. I was very relieved that I had won the final and that it was over,” said Manavjit, who won the World Cup after four years.

Shooting needs a lot of concentration and to keep himself mentally and physically fit, Manavjit loves to play billiards and golf. He also follows a strict fitness regime. “In my sport, mental strength is essential, so while we work on it, I always felt that experience and years in the sport are eventually the real teachers.

“When I am not shooting, I like to watch golf, billiards and tennis and sometimes play these sports too. I like to chill out otherwise by reading and watching movies,” said the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and Arjuna awardee.

The Italy-based shooter, whose philosophy in life is “believe in your destiny, while always striving harder and harder,” is a complete family person and a movie buff. “My son’s birth was a life affirming moment for me. He gave me a sense of completeness. When I am not travelling, I like to be with my wife and son. In the evenings, we watch movies at home or we cook together.”

Manavjit is a three-time Olympian, having represented the country at the 2004 Athens, 2008 Beijing and 2012 London Olympics. He is now eyeing a spot for the 2016 Rio Games.

“We have so many important events coming up this year. My plan is to concentrate on upcoming events and also pick up an Olympic place,” said the alumnus of Lawrence School, Sanawar.

Recalling his favourite travel destination, Manavjit said, “I love holidaying in Italy. It has an amazing culture and life that I have rarely found anywhere else. I love shopping there. It’s my favourite destination.” The Himachal Pradesh-born shooter, who is now back in Italy preparing for the upcoming tournaments, does miss India, “except the heat in May and June”.

Asked about the most memorable moments of his career, Manavjit said, “Winning the 1998 Commonwealth gold was the most cherished as I got the top spot for the first time in a mega sporting event. Apart from that, lifting the 2006 World Championship gold and the 2011 Asian Championship gold also hold a special place in my heart.”