Suruchi Phogat sticks to her simple formula to stay world class

Shruti Phogat, the rising star of Indian shooting, aims for excellence with a focus on process over scores.

With three gold medals and a bronze in the four events that she competed in the last two World Cups in Buenos Aires and Lima, Suruchi Phogat is easily the golden girl of Indian shooting at the moment.

As the Indian team was getting ready to leave for the World Cup in Munich, Germany, and at the launch of the logo of the Shooting League of India (SLI) at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Tughlakabad, Suruchi said that she would continue to aim to be at her best, and not worry about the scores.

Cheerful and soft spoken, but with a clear mind, the 19-year-old revealed that she does not try hard to shoot better scores but does everything possible to shoot at her best in every event she competes.

“From the national trials, National championships, National Games, to the trials again, and now in World Cups, the advice by coach Suresh Singh has worked very well for me. I believe that the better scores would happen along the way, if I stick to the right process,” said Suruchi, at ease in keeping things simple.

She did recall the advice by seasoned shooter Jitu Rai, who is now with the Indian team as coach, about a few finer points that has helped her be at her best, her normal self, in international competitions.

“I am happy to have won three gold medals so far. I want to win medals in Munich. The World champonships later in the season, is bigger and then there is the Asian Championship also. I also want to do well in the World Cup Finals, as my name has already been confirmed,” said Suruchi, quite pleased to be adding to her international exposure.

Every shooter would love to know the secrets of Suruchi to be so remarkably consistent in the international arena, and her younger brother Nishant is no exception.