Tokyo Olympics uncertainty is no distraction to shooter Abhishek Verma

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the already postponed Tokyo Olympics. But pistol shooter Abhishek Verma is refusing to let this distract him from his preparations for the event.

With anxiety mounting over the staging of the Games, 31-year-old Abhishek is embracing the prolonged preparation time as an opportunity to hone his skills and is braced for whatever challenges the future might hold.

“I am not even thinking about whether the Olympics will be held or not. I am training with the belief that it will go ahead. Whatever is the next competition, I am focusing on that,” Abhishek said at a virtual media interaction held by the Sports Authority of India (SAI).

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"Whatever external situation arises, I will adapt to that" - Abhishek Verma

Much like everything else in the age of COVID-19, Abhishek believes the Tokyo Olympics will be different from other editions.

"In the World Cup last month, we had to make certain adjustments, like wearing masks. There were shields separating shooting lanes. It was awkward constantly having to remember to put on the mask. Whatever be the situation, we have to face it and adapt. The most important thing is performance,” he explained.

“I focus on how I can give my best on every shot in every competition. Whatever external situation arises, I will adapt to that."

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Back after a ten-month break due to the pandemic, Abhishek underlined his potential with a bronze in the men’s 10m Air Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup in March. He also teamed up with Yashaswini Desai to clinch the bronze in the Air Pistol Mixed Team event.

Many congratulations to all the Winners of @ISSF_Shooting World 🏆!With 30 🎖️our #Shooters have brought immense joy and pride to the nation. Wish you all the very best for #Tokyo2020. Keep up the momentum🔥🔥🔥#JeetengeOlympics @narendramodi @KirenRijiju @WeAreTeamIndia pic.twitter.com/vxHzxl9X8A

— SAIMedia (@Media_SAI) March 28, 2021

Abhishek aims to fine-tune his preparations with training sessions in Croatia over the next couple of months before heading to Tokyo.

"I am happy to be going to Zagreb, the situation is tough here. After the World Cup, I could not continue my training. So, my focus would be on regular training. There is also the combined World Cup event in Croatia. That is an added advantage," he reflected.

Abhishek turned heads after bagging a bronze on his international debut at the 2018 Asian Games, alongside gold medalist Saurabh Chaudhary. He also bagged a silver at the World Championships later that year.

Tokyo Olympics-bound Abhishek Verma marked his international debut at the 2018 Asian Games. (Source: Twitter/Abhishek Verma)

He sealed a quota place for the Tokyo Olympics by winning gold at the Beijing World Cup in 2019 and maintained his imperious form with another gold at the Rio World Cup months later.

With a perfect amalgamation of experience and talent, it looks like the hobby shooter is all set to make a mark in Tokyo.

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