AFTER WHICH, the boy has never looked back. It was his performance in the recent National Shooting Championship in New Delhi during the double trap event that caught the eyes of professional shooters.
Arsh began to talk about Rizvi's first district competition in Meerut, as he said, “He had never practised in this sport, but knew about the laws of the game, as it was primarily discussed everyday in our home. Everyone was impressed with the way he performed on that day. Very few can do what he did in his first attempt.” It was at that juncture that other family members also realised that Ahvar Rizvi has a great future in this sport, if he takes it seriously and takes part in other major competitions.
Hence, Rizvi qualified for the pre-nationals after he won bronze in the State shooting championship. From pre-nationals, he got a chance in the Nationals, which is huge achievement in itself. Very few manage to even lift the gun at this age. Arsh said, “It is a big thing that a child of 13 years of age comes to the Nationals.” With a sense of pride and joy attached to his voice he further added, “Now he does not need to qualify for the state nor the pre-nationals. For nationals qualification, you need to score 75 and he shot 87.”
I notice a blue mark in his cheek, which seems to have been created after lifting the heavy gun. One has to be careful while dealing with such young talent. He should not be using a heavy weight gun but, as light as possible. “For the nationals, we did not give him much practise, as it would have given problems to his shoulder.” He normally turns up for practise during Sundays, when he does not have attend school. It is tough for the boy to maintain his balance between his books and gun, but he is clear where his future lies- double trap shooting.
Shooting is one of the most expensive sports in India, and very few can even think of taking a plunge in this sport, unless your family supports your dream to the core. Rizvi is fortunate to have family members, who are ready to finance him and they expect bigger things from Rizvi. Mohammad Asif, Rizvi's father, who also wants his son to represent India in the Olympics said, “At this age he is doing so well, so I have high expectations from my son, will do even more better in the future. I am ready to support him financially as well, even though, it is an expensive sport.” Later, he also adds, “God will also help us.”
After seeing his dad, brother talk so highly, Rizvi, who idolises Rajyavardhan Rathore finally speaks confidently, still not looking directly in my face, said, “I felt nice after qualifying for the nationals. I will represent India and pursue this sport as my career. I dream of representing India in the future Olympics.” There was a tone of confidence in his voice and his confidence was imminent, when he gave me a firm handshake before he went away.
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