Sift Kaur Samra, a shooter, praises the TOP Scheme for its effectiveness and emphasizes the flexibility to explore at KIUG 2023

Sift Kaur Samra, the gold medalist from the Asian Games, attended the 4th Khelo India University Games (KIUG) 2023 Ashtalakshmi to test the modifications she had made to her training regimen in anticipation of a busy season.

The 22-year-old earned an individual bronze medal in her favorite event at the Kahilipara Shooting Range here on Thursday. She also paired up with Ashi Chouksey. The 22-year-old has already secured an Olympic quota for India in the 50m rifle 3-position.

Along with Vanshika Sahil, Chouksey won the individual gold, helping Guru Nanak Dev University win the team gold.

Sift was satisfied with her effort even if she didn’t win the gold, stating that she still had to give it her all to take home a medal at the KIUG because to the intense competition.

“This match was excellent for me personally since I made certain training adjustments and tested them here before other major events. Thus, in my opinion, this is really positive.

“The Khelo India University Games had really strong competition. The world record holder in the 50-meter rifle 3-position said, “It is a platform for aspiring athletes, and one can gain lot of confidence from competitions like these.”

Despite earning a quota for the Paris Olympics, Sift will need to keep up her form for the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) selection trials in the coming months. She also has to compete at the highest level in international competitions since Indian shooters compete fiercely for a seat on the aircraft to Paris.
In the 50m Rifle 3-position, she presently leads the NRAI’s Qlympic qualifying rankings. The next two trials are slated for Bhopal at the end of this month.

“I am thinking that (heading into the Paris Olympics) I should perform better than the Asian Games and for that, I am training and I am doing all that I can do from my side,” she said.

Through the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS), which is funded by the Sports Ministry, Sift has acknowledged the critical impact that the Government of India initiative had in her athletic career.

“We all know that shooting is a very expensive game, but the TOP Scheme has made it easier for athletes like us to follow our passion as it provides financial support to athletes, particularly those in the developmental stage, by assisting with the costs associated with ammunition, equipment, and other essential elements of their training,” she stated.