Rising Star Cheema Aims for Olympic Berth after Khelo India Gold

Guwahati : After clinching gold in the Khelo India University Games 2023 Air Pistol event, young shooter Arjun Singh Cheema has set his sights on the prestigious Paris Olympics scheduled for July-August this year. Currently ranked third in the national pecking order for the 10m Air Pistol, Cheema is determined to capitalize on his winning momentum and earn a spot on the Indian team.

Cheema, who was part of the gold-winning Indian team at the Hangzhou Asian Games last year, expressed his unwavering resolve. Representing Lovely Professional University, he stated, "My ultimate goal for this year is the Olympics, and this victory at Khelo India boosts my confidence for the selection trials. My focus now solely lies on achieving the qualifying mark."

This win marks a significant improvement for Cheema, who previously finished fourth in the same event at the previous Khelo India edition held in Uttar Pradesh. This time, at the Kahilpara Shooting Range, he displayed remarkable mental strength, leading from the first round to the final and securing victory with a total score of 242.5.

"It was a close competition right up to the end," Cheema explained, referring to the narrow two-point difference between him and Amit of Guru Nanak Dev University before the final round. "During those moments, a myriad of thoughts cloud your mind, but staying calm and composed is crucial."

Attributing his improved performance to a holistic approach, the Asian Games gold medalist elaborated, "The previous Khelo India Games were invaluable. I've learned a lot since then. Mentally, I'm more focused, determined, and I understand that sports is much more than just results; it's also about attitude."

Cheema emphasizes the crucial role of his support system in his journey. "It's a collective effort," he asserted. "It's not just my hard work, but the unwavering support of my parents, friends, my sports psychologist, and the government."

Being a part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) for over a year, Cheema is immensely grateful for the comprehensive support he receives. "The government provides athletes with everything they need, from equipment and international competition opportunities to specialized training. It's no longer solely the responsibility of the athlete's family, which is a tremendous positive change. Platforms like the Khelo India Games offer us a recognized platform to access this government support," he concluded.