Indian rifle shooter Ashi Chouksey has set her sights on securing a gold medal at the upcoming Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The 24-year-old athlete, who made her competitive shooting debut in 2018, is preparing for her second appearance at the multi-sport event following a successful debut campaign.

Having won three medals at the 2022 Asian Games (held in 2023), Chouksey expressed confidence that her past international experience will prove invaluable. Backed by high-intensity national prep camps and advanced psychological training, she aims to upgrade her previous silver and bronze achievements into a gold medal.

Bhopal Camp & Advanced Biofeedback Training

To prepare for the competition, the Indian shooting contingent underwent a 10-day training camp in Bhopal focused on endurance testing and match simulations. Describing the rigorous schedule, Chouksey explained, “We were putting a lot of hard work and a lot of effort into the preparation. The strategy for this camp was to conduct matches and finals. We played around three to four matches and three to 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. We also had a 120-shot match, which is not in any programme, but we did it to check the endurance and stability for a long period of time,” she added. Beyond physical conditioning, the team collaborated with sports psychologists and integrated biofeedback technology to monitor physiological responses and breathing patterns during shooting.

“The psychologists use technology to monitor our breathing and other physical processes when we are shooting. We have tried it multiple times, and it is really helpful. It has helped us understand ourselves better,” Chouksey noted. She emphasised that attention to incremental details would be key, adding, “Little things matter a lot. We know what to do, we know how to shoot, but there are small things which are neglected. If we do them right, towards perfection, then I think we will be unstoppable.”

Sights Set on Gold and Challenge from China

Drawing on her familiarity with the pressures of large multi-sport events, Chouksey highlighted the clarity driving her pursuit of the top podium finish. “The 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,” she remarked.

The shooter, who was introduced to the sport through a school camp, also expressed enthusiasm about facing the strong Chinese shooting contingent in Japan. The shooter previously claimed silver medals in the Women’s 10m air rifle team and 50m rifle 3-position (3P) team events alongside a bronze in the individual 50m rifle 3P event.

She noted, “I am really excited to compete with the Chinese shooting team because they are a very strong team.” Determined to convert her past podium finishes into a victory, Chouksey added, “I was excited and also very dedicated to convert it to gold. And I really want that very, very much.”

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store – https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share