“I was taught in the Army to focus solely on the process” - Sandeep Singh refuses to be overwhelmed ahead of maiden Olympic campaign

For a youngster who had no interest in shooting whatsoever during his formative years, Sandeep Singh's rapid ascent in the grueling sport is indicative of his astounding talent.

Introduced to the sport after joining the Indian Army, the shooter from Faridkot aced the art at the AMU Shooting Range in Mhow (Madhya Pradesh) before coming through the Olympic trials in style.

Unassuming and soft-spoken, yet refusing to be overwhelmed ahead of his maiden Olympic campaign, Sandeep told Sportskeeda, during an exclusive interaction, that, in the Army, he was taught to focus solely on the process.

The Olympic selection trials were a stern test for the very best in the business with some big names missing out on making the cut for Paris 2024. Sandeep Singh was candid enough to admit that while he did feel the pressure, he followed the "process" just the way he was taught in the Army.

"No doubt there was some pressure doing the Olympic trials since it was competitive. That said, I was taught in the Army to focus only on following my process and that is what I concentrated on during the trials. I did not ponder over whether or not I would be selected," Sandeep Singh affirmed.

"I will do the same during the Olympics as well. I haven't thought too much about the possible outcome," he added with an air of undisturbed confidence.

The Armyman, who once loved cross-country running, finished ahead of Arjun Babuta (who has also made it to Paris in the 10m air rifle category), Rudrankksh Patil and Divyansh Singh Panwar in the all-important selection trials.

"Fortunate to be taking part in an event where shooters like Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang have created history" - Sandeep Singh

Abhinav Bindra scripted history for India at the 2008 Olympics

Sandeep Singh stressed that he was fortunate to be taking part in the 10m air rifle, an event in which Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang have made India proud.

While Bindra won a historic gold in the 10m air rifle event during the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Gagan Narang clinched the bronze medal at the 2012 London Games.

"I am fortunate to be taking part in an event where shooters like Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang have created history. I myself have been inspired by them and I feel proud to be able to represent the country," Sandeep Singh affirmed.

After trying his hand at the Indian Army's INSAS rifle, Sandeep Singh discovered he could strike targets with an air rifle too while also developing a distinct affinity for shooting as a sport.

"I didn’t know much about shooting as a youngster nor did I have a keen interest in the sport. I was introduced to shooting once I joined the Army. I began shooting with the INSAS rifle used by the Army and after performing well, I took to an air rifle," Sandeep revealed.

The 28-year-old credited the Army Marksmanship Unit in Mhow for simulating an Olympic-like atmosphere at the shooting range, which Sandeep believes will assist him in no small measure at the Paris Games.

"At the AMU Shooting Range in Mhow, we undergo training in different aspects of shooting including the physical and mental aspects. We are also taught how to shoot and perform under pressure," he disclosed.

"An atmosphere very similar to that of the Olympic Games was created for the training which was of immense benefit. I feel the training will go a long way in helping us perform at our best in Paris," Sandeep Singh reckoned.

Members of the Indian shooting contingent, who were part of a camp in Luxembourg, have now reached Paris. Shooting at the 2024 Olympics will be held at the Chateauroux Shooting Centre.