“It’s an incredible honor and a dream come true” - Elavenil Valarivan on representing India for the second time in Olympics at Paris 2024

The 24-year-old air rifle shooter Elavenil Valarivan, who is competing at the Paris Olympics 2024, is eager to represent India for the second consecutive time at the Summer Games after being part of the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

Three years back in Tokyo, Valarivan, hailing from Tamil Nadu, finished at the 16th spot in the women’s 10m air rifle qualification event with a total of 626.5. On the other hand, in the mixed event, she finished at the 12th spot with 626.5 points and failed to advance to the final in both events.

However, after a disappointing show, Valarivan, coached by Neha Chavan and mentored by London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang, is in redemption mode.

“It’s an incredible honor and a dream come true. Representing India once again on such a prestigious platform is both exhilarating and humbling. The excitement is building up, and I’m looking forward to giving my best performance,” Elavenil Valarivan told Sportstar.

Talking about her areas of focus in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics 2024, Valarivan stated that she is aiming for consistency and precision in her shots with mental training being her key component.

“Yes, we are focusing on consistency and precision in my shots. Mental training is also a key component, ensuring I can maintain focus and composure under the pressure of the competition,” she added.

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“I am working closely with my coach and sports psychologist” - Elavenil Valarivan

Elavenil Valarivan is currently preparing hard for the Games in Europe. However, before heading to the Paris Olympics 2024, she will head back to the national camp with the Indian contingent to ensure team coordination.

Additionally, Elavenil Valarivan also emphasized the importance of staying physically and mentally fit to perform at the fullest in major competitions like the Olympics.

“Preparing for the Olympics is definitely on another level compared to other competitions. Mentally, it’s about staying positive and focused, while physically, it’s about maintaining peak fitness and practicing rigorously. I am working closely with my coach and sports psychologist to ensure I’m fully prepared,” she stated.

India will field a record number of 21 shooters at Paris 2024 and aims to bury the ghosts of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics as they returned empty-handed in the past two events.

Notably, India will compete with eight shooters in rifle events, seven in pistol, and six in shotgun disciplines. Furthermore, India will also field five mixed teams - two each in rifle and pistol and one in shotgun skeet event. Shooting events will start on July 27 and conclude on August 5.

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