First Indian pistol shooter to win a gold at the ISSF World Cup finals
Heena Sidhu is the world's top-ranked 10m air pistol shooter. (Photo: DC)
There are winners and there are champions. Years ago, tennis legend Billie Jean King put the difference between the two in perspective when she said, “Champions keep playing until they get it right.”And if you need an endorsement for it, look no further than Heena Sidhu, the world’s top-ranked 10m air pistol shooter.
At 24, she is on top of the world, yet far from happy with her performance. “To be the top-ranked shooter has not been my goal. Even during the finals in Germany, I only focussed on my job and was in my zone. I was just looking to cut down on errors. I am still not fully happy with my performance,” she said nonchalantly.
While she’s yet to pat herself on the back for her talent, she has many firsts to her credit. The last five months have seen her go from a talented youngster to the first Indian pistol shooter to win a gold at the ISSF World Cup finals and also the first woman from the country to be featured on the cover of the world body’s magazine. But away from the shooting range, the petite ace is quite the small-town girl at heart. Born and brought up in Ludhiana, Heena found love in fellow shooter Ronak Pandit.
Cupid struck at the 2010 Commonwealth Games preparatory camp and culminated in their marriage in February last year. The courtship was rosy, but with their personalities as contrasting as chalk and cheese, they took time to settle down. Moving base from serene Ludhiana to the chaotic and fast-paced Mumbai was a tough task.
“It took a year for our wavelengths to match. Heena freaks out at the sight of local trains and we bought a car with automatic transmission since she had never encountered the crazy Mumbai traffic before,” grinned Ronak. He also added that the equation altered after marriage.
“When I am coaching, every shooter for me is equal, whether he is a newbie or world champion. Heena didn’t like me talking to her in the same tone as the others. She is a courageous woman but polite too and importantly, she does not like being taken for granted.”
While travelling across the world for tournaments, the lovely couple makes sure they explore the place and carry back fond memories. “Germany is my favourite place. We always hang out once the tournament is over. It is our way to unwind and I like to try out new cuisines,” revealed Heena, a true blue Punjabi girl at heart.
Talking about holidays, Ronak was quick to chip in about his wife’s ‘holiday’ ambitions for him. “Taking part in the famous Bull Run in San Fermin festival in Spain is top of my agenda. Heena was disappointed I didn’t run. Next year I am running come what may,” said the dutiful husband.
While training takes up most of her time, Heena, a certified dentist who enjoys sketching and is quite serious about it. “We were thinking of opening a multi-specialty hospital, but since Heena is serious about art, we held that idea back. She takes online courses and makes excellent portraits. Looking ahead, we may arrange an exhibition of her work,” says Ronak.
While the golden run on and off the shooting range continues, Heena says, she is saddened by the limited attention her sport gets. “Shooting deserves more attention. It is the only sport that is consistently getting medals for the country including the Olympic Games. A shooter’s life is a lot different, but as always we will give our best and win more medals.” But with the shooting stars like Heena, the applause and accolades are never far away.
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