Both vocations need the utmost level of precision from the practitioner, but Sift Kaur Samra decided in March this year that taking up a rifle is a better career option than using a scalpel.
Both vocations need the utmost level of precision from the practitioner, yet in March of this year, Sift Kaur Samra decided that taking up a rifle is a better career option than using a scalpel. It was a wise decision. The 23-year-old dropped out of her MBBS programme to focus on full-time photography. And on Wednesday, she won the gold medal in the women’s 50m 3P event at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, which seemed to be a complete ‘Bulls Eye’ decision.
(Asian Games 2023 Medal Count | Asian Games 2023 Complete Schedule)
Samra was balancing her MBBS studies at GGS Medical College (in Faridkot) and photography when she decided to change her major.
“In March, I dropped out of MBBS.” “I am currently pursuing a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports at GNDU in Amritsar,” Samra stated after setting a world record in the women’s 50m rifle 3P event at the Asian Games.
In India, parents typically push their children to thrive academically in middle-class and upper-middle-class families. But Samra was fortunate to have parents who wanted to see her break shooting records.
“I don’t know,” she answered when asked why he dropped out of the MBBS programme. My parents have made the decision. That is not in my power. I’m powerless to help. I can also apply for Civil Services.” The 23-year-old from Faridkot, Punjab, also claimed to be an unintentional shooter.
“That was a toss-up (choosing to be a shooter).” I was an unintentional shooter. My cousin, a shotgun shooter, introduced me to the sport. My first state event went well, and everyone in my family advised my parents that I should go shooting. Fortunately, it worked, and I am now a shooter.” She stated that she began with the 10m event and moved on to the 3P event considerably later.
“I was in the 10m event when I first started in 2016-17, and 3P seemed like something I could qualify for so that we could import a gun and my brother could also start.” “I began 3P in 2019.” “I had the experience of competing against the Chinese players,” Samra remarked after defeating world champion Zhang Qiongyue of China, who earned silver. They were also present at the World University Games (held earlier this year in Chengdu), when I won gold.” Samra did not realise she had set a world record until her coaches informed her.
“I was also looking at the scores for all three sections.” My standing is strong, so I thought if I took the lead in first (prone), I could perform very well. I knew I had to be really good at kneeling.” “In the first round, I wasn’t very well with my first five shots. But because others were struggling, I believed I might heal.” Compatriot Ashi Chouksey threw away the silver medal after firing a terrible 8.9 in her final shot, but Samra believes situations like this can happen at any time.
“At the World University Games (in Chengdu, China, in August), me and Ashi had gold and silver, and now we have gold and bronze, so it’s a good experience.”
“I am still overjoyed about her medal. She felt great while shooting in the final. She was focused on her technique, and it was just one of those days.” When asked if she was apprehensive during her final shoots, she said yes.
“A little bit, because it’s the human body.” I was concentrating on the procedure. I was not paying attention to my uneasiness. I was concentrating on the items in my hands, therefore everything went swimmingly.”
