Student Achiever: ‘That millisecond between the trigger and the aim decides my accomplishment’

It’s the anticipation that runs in her blood like dopamine each time she aims with her gun. Meet Aalia Khatib, at present studying in class X at Apeejay School, Kharghar. She gets candid in an interview where she shares how the loading and reloading routine retains her strength.

Read edited excerpts here.

Tell us about your recent achievements.

I recently won a Gold medal in the Rifle Shooting Peep Sight U-17 DSO competition. It is now the beginning of the competition season and I’m looking forward to it. This is just the starting point of the race, the finishing line is very far away.

How did you pick up interest in shooting?

I started my sports journey from skating first when I was around five years old. I continued skating for about eight more years. In this period I won a lot of district-level, zonal and state-level championships as well. I represented India in Belgium in 2019. When we were in the middle of the tournament in Sweden, my left leg was injured. I had a hairline fracture on my left foot that later turned into a stress injury. Because of this, I had to stop skating regularly. I just couldn’t sit idle and that’s when my dad introduced my sister to rifle shooting. So after my sister started shooting I got into rifle shooting and took it very seriously.

Who is your inspiration?

Inspiration is a feeling, person or thing that makes you want to do something or gives you exciting new ideas. So for me, my sister is my inspiration. I look forward to her and she is my only mentor.

Who is your favourite shooter and why?

My sister will always be my favourite shooter. I remember during the COVID-19 lockdown when she had online shooting classes, I would help her set up her laptop and take control of the controls in the Zoom meeting. I used to love watching her hold her rifle and see her feeling the trigger against her finger, I still do.

How has shooting changed your life personally?

I have become more mature; the sport teaches you to be disciplined and focused. I love how this sport is all about precision. I have learnt to do self-talk which has completely changed my point of view in life. If you would ask me what is that one thing that you do in rifle shooting and your personal life I would say self-talk. It always plays a major role.

How did Apeejay support you in your shooting journey?

I have always received great support from the school. The motivation and the appreciation which I receive play a very important role in shaping my overall concentration and dedication towards my sport.

Share your training regime.

I usually train five times a week, sometimes even six depending on the competition season. I start by warming up and later do breathing and eye exercises which are very important. After all of this, I start training for around four hours a day. I try to be consistent in my training and it has been working for me well.

Would you like to take up this sport professionally?

I would love to take up this sport professionally. The combination of skill, focus, and dedication truly captivates me, and I’m driven by the challenge of pushing my limits and achieving peak performance. Committing to a professional career in this sport would allow me to dedicate myself fully, hone my abilities, and skills and win medals for my beloved country.