Bhopal, September 6, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Experienced Indian pistol shooter Rahi Sarnobat has backed Bhopal as an ideal venue for the Indian shooting team’s final training camp ahead of the Asian Games, citing the similarity between the city’s weather conditions and those expected at the competition venue.
The Indian shooting contingent is set to begin its final preparatory camp in Bhopal from Monday, with athletes looking to fine-tune their skills, adapt to expected conditions and maintain mental composure before the Games.
“I think Bhopal was the best choice for this Asian Games. When we learned that a camp was being held here, we checked the temperature and humidity at the competition venue. They are very similar to those in Bhopal,” Sarnobat told IANS.
Sarnobat also praised the development of the Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy, saying she had witnessed its growth throughout her shooting career.
“Actually, I have been watching MP Academy for many years. I mean, since I started shooting, MP Academy was there. But in the last 7-8 years, the way MP Academy has shown development, it is really very good,” she said.
She also highlighted the growing support available to Indian shooters through initiatives such as the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India. These programmes have helped provide elite and emerging athletes with financial, equipment and infrastructure support.
Sarnobat said the increased government backing for sport in recent years has strengthened the ecosystem for athletes, including through the development of new sports centres and dedicated shooting facilities.
Speaking about handling competitive pressure, she said athletes cannot completely avoid expectations but can manage them by concentrating on preparation and technique rather than the final result.
She also stressed the importance of limiting social media distractions during training and maintaining focus on preparation.
The Bhopal camp will provide the Indian shooting contingent with an opportunity to sharpen its preparations while familiarising itself with conditions considered relevant to the upcoming Asian Games.
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