Suruchi Phogat’s journey to the National Games podium has been anything but conventional. Known for her roots in wrestling, the young athlete from Haryana has now shot to fame in a completely different sport—shooting. Her story of perseverance and adaptability is nothing short of inspiring. Suruchi, once a promising wrestler, turned to shooting after an injury derailed her wrestling career. Now, she has added a significant achievement to her name, securing the gold medal in the 10m air pistol event at the National Games.
Suruchi’s wrestling journey started early. Influenced by her father, Inder Singh Phogat, who was a close associate of Virender ‘Goonga Pehelwan’ Singh, a celebrated wrestler and Deaflympics hero, Suruchi followed in his footsteps. The connection to Virender Singh was not just geographical but inspirational as well. Suruchi’s father had a clear vision for his daughter, especially after Virender’s remarkable gold medal win at the 2005 Deaflympics in Melbourne. Inder was determined to see Suruchi follow the path of greatness in wrestling, and by the age of 11, Suruchi joined a local wrestling academy.
However, her budding wrestling career faced a major setback when she fractured her shoulder. The injury forced her to take a long break from the sport, but it also opened doors to a new passion. During her recovery, Suruchi discovered her interest in shooting. Instead of succumbing to frustration, she channeled her energy into mastering a new skill, and it quickly became evident that she had an innate talent for the sport.
At the MPSC Shooting range on Wednesday, Suruchi proved her mettle. The 18-year-old shot down a gold medal in the 10m air pistol event, displaying incredible poise and skill. Suruchi’s final score of 245.7 secured her a top spot, while her teammate, 2022 Asian Games gold medalist Palak Gulia, took silver with a score of 243.6. Simranpreet Kaur Brar from Punjab clinched the bronze with a score of 218.8. Despite being off the podium, Paris Olympian Rhythm Sangwan, another name to watch, made a valiant effort.
The achievement holds even more significance as it marks the rise of a new talent in Indian shooting, a sport that has garnered attention and accolades for the country in recent years. Suruchi’s success in the National Games is a testament to her resilience and her ability to reinvent herself after a career-altering injury. Her entry into shooting has added a new chapter to her athletic journey, one where she continues to excel and overcome obstacles.
The Haryana 1-2 finish in the 10m air pistol event highlights the state’s dominance in shooting sports. Suruchi’s victory also reflects the strong sporting culture in Haryana, where athletes have consistently made their mark at national and international levels across various disciplines.
Suruchi Phogat’s story is an inspiring one—one of a young woman who refused to be defined by the limitations imposed on her and instead embraced new opportunities. Her journey from wrestling to shooting shows how determination, adaptability, and hard work can lead to success, no matter the field. As she continues to shine in the world of shooting, Suruchi is undoubtedly a name to watch in the years to come.
Suruchi’s transition from wrestling to shooting might seem unusual at first glance, but her ability to adapt is a powerful reminder of how athletes can thrive despite the odds. Wrestling, a sport that demands both strength and strategy, prepared Suruchi with a mindset that she carried over to her shooting career. The patience, focus, and mental resilience required to excel in wrestling proved invaluable when she took up shooting. Suruchi, in many ways, had to reinvent herself, and her success is a reflection of the mindset she cultivated during her wrestling days.
Her shooting debut was nothing short of impressive, with her ability to stay calm under pressure and her precise control over her shots making her stand out. Suruchi’s win in the 10m air pistol event is a testament to her growing potential in the sport. What’s even more remarkable is that she’s managed to achieve this success at such a young age. At 18, she has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the Indian shooting scene, much like the veterans who have already put India on the map in the sport.
Her family’s support played a crucial role in her journey. Inder Singh, her father, who had a vision for Suruchi’s future in wrestling, now stands as a pillar of support in her shooting career. The encouragement from her family has undoubtedly been a source of strength for her, helping her push through difficult times, including her wrestling injury. Having a family that believes in your potential can make all the difference in an athlete’s life, and Suruchi’s story is an example of that unwavering support.
As Suruchi continues to improve and gain experience, her sights are now set on the international stage. The gold medal at the National Games is just the beginning, and she will likely aim for greater accomplishments in upcoming competitions. With the 2024 Paris Olympics on the horizon, Suruchi may very well have her eyes set on securing a spot for India in the shooting events. Her performance in the National Games has only strengthened her case as one of India’s promising young shooters, and with continued hard work and focus, she could soon be competing alongside the best in the world.
The rise of young athletes like Suruchi is a welcome development for Indian sports. The country has seen its athletes excel in a variety of disciplines in recent years, and Suruchi’s gold in shooting adds another success story to the ever-growing list of sporting achievements. Her story is an example of how resilience and perseverance can lead to success, no matter what obstacles come your way.
As Suruchi’s journey progresses, she is likely to inspire many other young athletes who face similar challenges. Her story will remind them that even when one dream fades, another can take its place. In Suruchi’s case, her ability to pivot from wrestling to shooting highlights the importance of being versatile and open to new opportunities.
