Vaatsalya Singh Shekhawat, a bright student of Seedling The World School, Udaipur, is a dedicated Pistol Shooting athlete who trains at Trigger Time Shooting Club in Udaipur. With a true sportsperson’s mindset, he believes that victory is meaningful only when accompanied by learning, and even defeat carries lessons. His commitment to precision, discipline, and self-improvement defines his approach to the sport. Inspired by excellence and guided by strong mentorship, Vaatsalya aspires to represent the country at the Olympics one day.

The Initiation

Vaatsalya Singh Shekhawat began practicing Pistol Shooting in 2023 and has since devoted himself wholeheartedly to mastering the discipline. What initially sparked as an interest soon developed into a focused pursuit requiring patience, control, and unwavering concentration. From his early days in the sport, he understood that shooting demands not only physical steadiness but also mental strength.

Gurus & Role Models

Vaatsalya trains under the expert guidance of Shiv Sir, along with other coaches at the club, though Shiv Sir is his personal mentor. He deeply values his coach’s meticulous attention to posture, technique, and discipline. With patience and dedication, Shiv Sir ensures that every doubt is addressed and every movement refined. For Vaatsalya, his coach is not merely an instructor but a guiding force shaping his skills and mindset. He draws profound inspiration from Manu Bhaker, whose dedication and Olympic achievements motivate him to dream of representing India on the global stage. Her determination reinforces his aspiration to one day compete in the Olympics and bring pride to the nation.

The Talent

Vaatsalya explains that shooting is broadly categorized into Pistol Shooting and Rifle Shooting, each differing in posture, technique, and range. In pistol shooting, competitions are conducted at distances such as 10, 15, 20, 25, and 50 meters. He competes in the 10-meter range, where precision is paramount. According to him, the sport requires absolute concentration. Even a slight tremor of the hand lasting a fraction of a second can distract your shot. Stability and focus are therefore essential. Meditation plays a crucial role in sharpening the mind, while physical endurance strengthens performance. He practices holding objects such as pistols, water bottles, and dumbbells for extended periods to enhance grip strength and steadiness. He notes that some athletes can maintain their stance for hours, demonstrating the immense dedication the sport demands. Consistent and disciplined training, he believes, is the foundation of excellence in shooting.

Achievements

At a young age, Vaatsalya has already participated in multiple competitions held in Udaipur and Jaipur. He successfully qualified for the pre-state level and went on to compete in the State Level Shooting Championship, marking a significant milestone in his sporting career. These accomplishments reflect his perseverance and growing command over the sport.

A Bit More

Beyond shooting, Vaatsalya finds motivation in powerful songs such as “Chak De India,” “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag,” and “Believer,” which energize him during moments of doubt or fatigue. He enjoys playing Chess to enhance analytical thinking, Football to improve coordination and teamwork, and Swimming to build strength and stamina. Traveling and learning about different cultures also fascinate him, as he values knowledge and meaningful interactions. He shares thoughtful advice for fellow students: academics are important, but holistic development is equally essential. Sports and hobbies shape character and resilience. He encourages maintaining balance- limiting junk food, reducing screen time, waking up early, practicing meditation and yoga, and engaging in regular stretching for physical well-being. Above all, he emphasizes the power of positive self-talk. According to Vaatsalya, the way we speak to ourselves shapes our reality. Positive thoughts foster confidence and growth, while negativity limits potential. His message is - pursue your passions alongside your studies, maintain balance in life, and believe in your ability to achieve greatness.