Rifle Shooter Ashi Chouksey targets gold at Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games

[[{“value”:”

Multiple Asian Games medalist rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey believes that if the Indian contingent focuses on fundamentals and executes the basics cleanly, they will be “unstoppable” at the upcoming Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. 

“Little things matter a lot. We know what to do and how to shoot, but we neglect small things. If we do them right, towards perfection, then I think we will be unstoppable,” said Chouksey, who won two silvers and a bronze at the previous Asian Games.

The 24-year-old is particularly eager to challenge the formidable Chinese shooting contingent at the Asian Games.

“I am really excited to compete with the Chinese shooting team because they are a very strong team and in the 2023 Asian Games, we had a gold (Sift Kaur Samra) and a bronze (Ashi Chouksey) in the women’s 50m 3P category, while they got a silver at their home,” she said.

“So they might still be holding it against us (laughs) and can be looking for revenge. They are a very strong team but I am really excited to compete with them,” said Chouksey.

Chouksey, who secured two team silvers and an individual bronze in Hangzhou, enters her second campaign with a clearer goal, to add to the medal tally.

“Asian Games is one of the biggest multi-sport tournaments after the Olympics, and I have competed there before. I have performed on that stage, so I know what it takes.

“After winning three medals, I now have good experience of competing at this level. So, this time, I am going to Japan with a clear view and goal for what I want to achieve at this competition.”

Chouksey on Asian Games preparation

Ahead of the Games, India’s rifle squad underwent intense preparation in Bhopal, including high-volume match simulations, sports psychology, and biofeedback testing.

“We were putting a lot of hard work and effort into the preparation. The strategy for this camp was to conduct matches and finals. We played around three-four matches and three-four finals, which is a lot in a 10-day camp. Playing a match is very intense, even if it is just a 60-shot match.” she said.

(With inputs from ANI)

“}]]