First match
Stepping onto the firing line at the President Cup, Serampore Rifle Club, in 2024 was a moment Akshara never forgets. It wasn’t just another competition. It was her first official match, a milestone in her journey as a 10 M air rifle shooter.
This was her first match with Peep sight Air Rifle. Peep sight Air Rifles are the ones which are used in Olympics. There is also Open sight Rifles. Open sight rifles are used to train new students. She got trained in Open sight rifle for 3 months. But had played no competition with it.
I would suggest all parents not to continue open sight for too long. It does not help. Few months or couple of competitions are more than enough. I bought second hand Feinwerkbau 800X Rifle on 6th March 2024.
She practiced for 15 days or so and then nominated for this competition. We both were very excited as it was first competition. I told her to enjoy the competition and live the moment.
Her Performance
Below is her series wise performance in the match. The match was in cards. In cards the scoring is out of 10. She had great consistency in 2nd, 3rd and 4th series. The first series was not consistent but that is fine in first match.
- Series 1: 86
- Series 2: 94
- Series 3: 94
- Series 4: 95
- Total: 369/400
She was scoring in the ranges of 370 to 375 before match practice. She had only few practices session as new rifle was only 15 days old. Looking at practice and match score closeness, I was very much surprised happily.
Her Thoughts
At this time, we were not writing diaries. The experience in the match was not penned down. During this match we met one experienced shooter who told about writing diaries. So that was one important learning for us.
It is always better to write down your thought. As there is no written content on the match I am unable to reproduce the exact thoughts. But few things I can recall from my conversion with her.
- She was anxious about the competition.
- Her focus was more on the rules and regulations like Safety flag and all
- She was looking behind regularly just to check my presence
- She also had conversation with range official about unable to place the card
- The official was very helpful and gave some suggestions
- She was happy with the performance and came out smiling
My Thoughts
I would urge every parent to read this section carefully. Most of us have high expectation from our kids. We want them to be successful or do wonders from very first competition. Sometimes these expectations are very unrealistic. Sometimes these expectations are because of practice performance. Sometimes we compare with other kids and frame expectations.
Whatever be the reason these are not good idea. We should encourage kids. We should make them believe as well. This was her first match. Scoring 369 which is on par with her practice score of 375 to 380. I was not sure it is good starting score or not. From my side only expectation was she should come out smiling. She did come out smiling which made my day.
Her match was in evening. Post match we went to Dominos. Dominos was just on other side Competition range. We ordered Pizza as per her choice. Instead of eating there itself we took delivery. It was very joyful day. I wanted to make the day memorable so planned for the Pizza party with whole family.
Everyone in the family was asking about her experience. How was the game? What was she thinking? She was also happy having played the first match within 3 months of starting her shooting class.
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