“I'm going there without any negative baggage from my previous competitions” - Indian shooter Anjum Moudgil on Paris Olympics 2024 [Exclusive]

After a journey of constant highs and lows, Anjum Moudgil is all set for the Paris Olympics 2024 starting July 26. The Indian shooter, who plays in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions event, will be appearing for her second Summer Olympics.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Anjum shed light on her journey to the Paris Olympics 2024 and the preparation that went through to make it to the Indian team.

The 30-year-old didn’t win a quota place for the Paris Olympics but still qualified due to the updated policy of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). It allowed shooters to qualify via a series of four selection trials.

Anjum struggled in the initial round but then secured a top spot in the second and third rounds before finishing second in the fourth. The performance in the trials was enough for her to make it to the flight for Paris alongside Sift Kaur Samra in the women’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions category.

“I didn't win a quota for the Paris Games, but the policy stated that if you do well in your Olympic trials, it will work in your favor. This worked well for me over the last year. I've worked in a certain way to actually get better. These trials were very high-pressure, and they worked well for me,” Anjum Moudgil said.

It’s a big achievement for Anjum, who failed to qualify for the World Championships and Asian Games last year, to now be the top two for the Paris Olympics 2024.

Reflecting on her journey, she noted:

“I was able to deliver the results that I have been working on since last year, especially after not making it to the World Championship team or the Asian Games team. So, yeah, it's been a journey. Not so positive last year, not winning, not getting into the team, but actually going there and not winning a quota like it was in the Tokyo Games. Last time, we had to retain the quota for three years, but this time, it was not winning a quota but still making it to the team. So, it's been a very different but fulfilling journey.”

Anjum’s first major highlight was silver medals at the ISSF World Cup and Commonwealth Games in 2018. She even broke the CWG qualifying record by securing 589 points. She even qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, where she bowed out before the final but made a comeback next year to secure the World No.1 position.

“The best year for me was 2018. It started with my first World Cup silver medal in Mexico. That year, I also won a Commonwealth Games medal and set a Commonwealth Games record. I won a World Championship medal and qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. That year changed everything for me in a positive way. After 2018, it was a roller coaster. 2019 was okay, 2020 was the COVID year, and in 2021, we went to Tokyo. After that, there was a lot of criticism and not-so-positive experiences. But in 2022, things worked well for me again.

"I became World No.1 exactly one year after the Tokyo Games, but then exactly one year after being ranked one, I wasn't even in the Indian team's top three. So, the highlight for me would be 2018 and this year, qualifying for Paris. Becoming world number one was also a different experience. I've achieved many milestones, and I'm very thankful for them,” Anjum said.

The former World No.1 went through a lot of changes personally in terms of mental aspects to deal with the setbacks.

“I started my mental training after I became World No.1 in 2022, and that has really helped me over the last two years. I think it's more about how you handle certain situations, react in certain situations, and also breath work and different exercises to have better control over your mind and body. That has been a major part of my preparations now. Also, certain sets of different skills and changes in physical and technical training always keep happening, and I've been working on that for the last couple of months,” she added.

India will be fielding a team of 21 members in shooting at Paris 2024. Anjum is confident in India’s chances of securing a medal courtesy of the hard work that has been put through in the build-up to the Games.

“I'm very positive that the whole team, which has been working so hard for many years, will perform well. There's a lot of support from the federation and the Indian government, and everyone is giving their best. I have no doubt about that,” Anjum noted.

Anjum also highlighted the support that the athletes have received from all the stakeholders has been exceptional and has helped the players stay confident.

“The support has been really nice. From the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), from Sports Authority of India (SAI), and we are supported by (Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and our private sponsors and support team. The whole environment around the Games is very nice and positive. We are provided with everything we need. We couldn't ask for anything more. The best lot is going, and the support is the best. Even when we were in Delhi for the launch of the apparel, it was the best theme and best kit I've seen in a long time for any Games.

"I'm very happy with the efforts put in by the federation, the government, and different private organizations and corporations working together for Indian athletes. It's very positive, and the athletes are well-prepared and confident,” Anjum highlighted.

Anjum Moudgil has been in the sport for over a decade and is one of the most experienced players going to the Paris Olympics. She explained how she connects with the young players and helps them stay mentally focused in any situation.

“My experience has really helped me over the years, as well as for the selection in these Games. Being a senior athlete and having studied sports psychology, I talk to many athletes to ensure they are in the right frame of mind. Sharing my experiences online or directly with the athletes has helped them understand different scenarios. I'm going there without any negative baggage from my previous competitions. As a senior, I'm always there for the juniors. Our team consists of a younger generation, and everyone will be doing their best.” added Anjum.

“I think it's about how you deal with certain wins and understand when you do not win. How to take that in, how to really process that feeling, learn from those mistakes, and deal with those situations. Firstly, dealing with criticism from people around you, or media, or high expectations. We discuss these things, and if someone has any issues, we make sure to tell them it's completely normal and part of our journey. Then, you have to learn and keep going.”

A big source of calmness in Anjum’s life has been her hobby of painting, which helps take her mind off shooting and keeps her positive throughout.

“For me, painting has always helped me to calm down, relax, and switch off from shooting. I had stopped painting for some time, and it didn't really work out. I wasn't in the right frame of mind to paint last year, but understanding the importance of having something to do apart from shooting made me realize I needed it. Then I started painting again, which helped me calm down and focus on something when I go back to my room instead of spending time on screens like Netflix. Painting, gifting my paintings to someone, or taking orders has been exciting for me, and I need to keep that going alongside my shooting,” Anjum told.

“My calm and happy personality helps. I take my time off from shooting regularly, doing painting, and traveling. If I haven't had a good experience, I learn from it and work on the things I can control. I focus on my routine and plan and leave behind things that haven't worked.”

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Anjum Moudgil’s plans after Paris Olympics 2024

Anjum Moudgil, who is currently a rifle shooter, plans to try pistol shooting after the 2024 Paris Olympics. This is one of her many plans as she looks to try out new things going forward.

“I plan to try out pistol shooting for some time. I also have some travel plans, but nothing concrete right now. I want to learn something new or travel to experience new things,” Anjum added.

The 30-year-old even gave words of wisdom and encouragement to aspiring athletes who want to take up sports as a career. Anjum Moudgil said:

“I would say if you really like something, like a certain sport or activity, you should go out there without any doubts and experience it. Try it out and see how it is for you. Then, decide if you want to continue or not, but don't give up on something without trying. If you love something and put positive energy into it, it will help you grow. Find new, interesting areas to work on, and keep working, no matter the results. If you enjoy something, just keep doing it.”

When asked about her inspiration, Anjum Moudgil noted that every human being she meets is a teacher in some way. With Wimbledon 2024 underway currently, Anjum also expressed her love for watching tennis and how she follows certain tennis greats.

“There are many people. It's not just one. I've learned from many people I meet, shoot with, and see in different games. Everyone has been a teacher to me. The younger athletes in our team teach me the carefree nature and confidence they have, which is different from our generation. We are more responsible and focused on more things, but there's so much to learn from this generation and different people. I follow certain tennis players like Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Aryna Sabalenka. Everyone has something to teach if you're eager to learn,” Anjum Moudgil concluded.