Revision as of 23:27, 15 September 2018

2015

Silver in World Cup Final

The Times of India, Oct 26 2015

Ritu Sejwal

Historic silver for Verma in archery World Cup Final

Abhishek Verma created history in Oct 2015 when he became the first compound archer from the country to win a medal at the archery World Cup Final being held in Mexico City. Abhishek, who reached the final, however, had to settle for a silver after losing to Turkey's DemirElmaagcli 143-145 in the summit clash. The Asian Games individual silver medalist won his quarterfinal match against Denmark's Martin Damsbo 148-146. He was up against home favourite Mario Cardoso in the semifinal and the Delhi-based archer scored a perfect 150 to advance to the final. His rival scored 142.

2015- the Asiad 2018 Bronze

Tushar Dutt, ‘Hobby shooter’ Abhishek wins medal on international debut, August 22, 2018: The Times of India

Abhishek Verma acknowledges the crowd support
From: Tushar Dutt, ‘Hobby shooter’ Abhishek wins medal on international debut, August 22, 2018: The Times of India

' ‘Shooting is my passion but law is my profession’

When Abhishek Verma, 29, made it to the Indian pistol team earlier this year, he became one of the oldest shooters to enter the national squad. On Tuesday, almost after eight months later, he proved that he more than just a late bloomer.

Abhishek took up the sport in 2015 and in his firstever international competition, the Asian Games, he clinched a bronze in the 10m air pistol event.

“Many people used to tell me that I should have started early, this is not the age to make a debut. I have always treated shooting as my passion, as my hobby, and there is no age to pursue it,” he told TOI from Palembang.

A qualified lawyer, and son of a District & Sessions judge, Abhishek was just about to start practicing law, that shooting happened.

“Since childhood, he was attracted towards shooting. But since his father is in a transferable job, he could never pursue shooting when as a kid. It was possible only when we shifted to Hisar four years ago and found a shooting range,” his mother Kusum said.

But as Abhishek joined the range in Hisar, his father was again transferred to Fatehabad in Haryana. “He used to travel 80km to and fro (from Fatehabad to Hisar) by bus every day. But he was so passionate about the sport that he never complained,” the mother said.

Abhishek later joined ex-Army shooter Omendra Singh’s range in Gurgaon. Last year, Abhishek participated in his first National Shooting Championships and won silver. He later did well in three selection trials and made it to the team. The quick rise was a result of Abhishek’s hard work, but he insists shooting is still a hobby and he is not thinking of making it as career.

“I never took shooting as a career option. I have always been clear that I will keep shooting as my hobby, while law will be my profession. Even when I came to the Asian Games, I came as a hobby shooter and maybe, this is why I wasn’t under any pressure,” Abhishek said.

Abhishek had failed to qualify for the finals of the mixed air pistol event with Manu Bhaker earlier at the Games. “I didn’t take it too hard as it is part of the game. On the other hand, the mixed match gave me some idea about the final range, which I feel helped me in winning the medal today,” he said.