With renewed hope, Anjum Moudgil targets Paris medal

Deepankar Sharda

Chandigarh, July 24

Three years ago, Anjum Moudgil had entered the Olympics, her first, with eager eyes and high hopes. The Chandigarh-born shooter thought she was ready for the biggest challenge of her career. But things never went as planned.

She finished 15th in the 50m rifle 3 positions and 18th in the 10m air rifle mixed team events. The disappointment dimmed the fire in her bright brown eyes, and a heartbroken Anjum decided to take a break from the sport.

During her sabbatical, Anjum learnt paragliding, ribbon poi and skating. She enhanced her painting skills and even got married. In 2022, when she had finally forgotten about Tokyo, Anjum picked up the gun again. “It was tough, but I am over it,” said Anjum, while talking to The Tribune from France.

Anjum said that Tokyo was a “totally different” experience due to Covid, which also hit the team’s preparations. “We were undergoing tests every day, everything was unclear and we were constantly worrying about the wellbeing of our families back home,” said Anjum, who is a sub inspector with Punjab Police.

Pushing limits

The former world No. 1 carries India’s medal hopes in the 50m rifle 3 positions event in the Paris Olympics. “Expectations will always be there, but it’s my job to give my best. I cleared the first test (getting selected for the Olympics) and I am looking forward to doing the same in the final,” said the World Championships and Commonwealth Games medallist.

Anjum could not earn a quota but came through the month-long national trials, finishing second to seal her spot in the squad. “The competition is very high in India. This helped me push my limits. In the Olympics, I have to do the same by challenging my limits and setting small goals,” she said.

The shooting event will be held at the National Shooting Centre at Chateauroux, where Anjum trained last year. “I practised at the same range for almost a week last year. A similar structure was there for our pre-Olympics preparation in Luxemburg. I have adapted to the conditions. The weather is also very pleasant here,” she said.

This time, Anjum will also get moral support from international shooter Ankush Bhardwaj, whom she married in January 2022. “When I was making my comeback, he gave me emotional support. Life has surely changed after marriage but I am lucky to have my in-laws by my side,” she said.

Ankush said: “She has gone through a lot in the last three years. The challenges have made her strong and she will definitely emerge as a better shooter in these Olympics. She is a keen learner and I hope she delivers as planned in the Olympics.”

No longer overawed by the Olympics, Anjum said she was positive about her chances this time. “The competition is high, so it’s challenging. But I am positive. I am not just thinking about going with the flow, but about implementing my plans to win a medal,” she said.