15-year-old rifle shooter, who began training during Covid, qualifies for national championship

A student of class XI at Apeejay School, Kharghar, Afrah Jawad Khatib is a trained rifle shooter who aims to represent India at international shooting tournaments. At present, she is in Kerala representing Maharashtra in the sub-youth category (between the ages 12-17) at a national-level shooting competition.

Not just rifle shooting, the athlete also plays international handball and national-level skating. Read to know more about the young achiever:

How long have you been into sports? Why did you take up rifle shooting?

I have been into sports since I was six years old. I started with skating — I am a national-level skater. However, I was diagnosed with a tendon issue, which is why I took a break. After that, I started playing handball and represented my country twice in Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, and won the cup. We also participated in the Partille and Bergen Cup, two of the biggest youth handball tournaments.  

I took up rifle shooting during the COVID-19 lockdown. It was my father who encouraged me. We used to go to Karnala Sports Academy for skating championships and that is where I got to know about rifle shooting. As a sportsperson, I have always been open to trying new things. So, when I started rifle shooting, I really liked the experience and that’s how the journey began.

Also Read: ‘Rifle-shooting is a sport combining mind and body’ says Apeejay School student

How did you manage to practise during the lockdown?

Since we could not step out, we had to make arrangements at home for practice. But it was obviously not possible to find an area of 10m at home, which was the actual requirement for shooting. So, I had to manage with whatever space was available to keep the target at a particular height and distance. Since I could not shoot at home, I only practised rifle holding.

Meanwhile, I took online classes from Lakshya Shooting Club, Panvel. I hardly got 15 days of on-ground practice before appearing for the state-level tournament, in which I bagged two bronze medals and one silver medal.  

Is your school, Apeejay Kharghar, supporting you?

My teachers and principal ma’am have been very supportive. Most of the competitions are held around December, which is also when I have exams, but my school has been kind enough to allow me to take my exams later. Not to mention the constant encouragement and motivation I receive from my school sports teacher. He has been my mentor throughout my journey, and I really look up to him.

Can you name some rifle shooters who inspire you?

Manu Bhaker, Abhinav Bindra, and Suma Shirur, who runs Lakshya Shooting Club and is an Olympic finalist herself.

What is your first memory of shooting?

I was very nervous because all I had played prior to that was outdoor sports. The vibe in the range was completely different compared to what I had experienced earlier. Eventually, it all turned out great, and here I am, representing my state. Overall, I have had a fruitful journey. 

What kind of diet or fitness regime do you follow?

Our coaches do not allow us to eat sweets before matches, which is difficult since I have a sweet tooth (laughs). Otherwise, I eat as per a diet chart prepared by my mother. She ensures I eat an adequate quantity of dry fruits, greens, proteins, and so on. My diet is restricted to home-cooked food. For fitness, I do simple exercises and play handball.

Rifle shooting demands good concentration levels. How do you achieve that?

All I do is take deep breaths during matches. Sessions with the psychologist assigned to the players also help — we are made to do certain exercises to build concentration. To de-stress, I usually share my thoughts and feelings with my parents. My friends are also great listeners, so they help too.

What are your future goals in sports?

All three sports I play mean a lot to me. While I have represented my country in international games in other sports, my aim is to do the same in rifle shooting. And I am prepared to put in as much hard work and time as required for that. It is my dream.