Students take aim at national dreams via shooting sport at Nalapad Academy

Bengaluru

What if the next Abhinav Bindra is sitting in a classroom today, waiting for an opportunity? Or are we doing enough to identify and support future champions like Manu Bhaker at an early age? These questions underline an urgent need to rethink sports education and move beyond mainstream disciplines. At Nalapad Academy, a quiet transformation is underway. By introducing niche disciplines like shooting, the institution is not just training athletes but nurturing aspirations that can compete globally. As shooting sports gain international prominence, their inclusion in school environments is opening doors for a new generation of focused and confident achievers.

A sport of focus and discipline
Unlike physically demanding sports, shooting is fundamentally a mental game. It requires intense concentration, emotional control, and precision. “It’s all about focus and staying calm,” says Prachi, a young international rifle shooter and coach at the academy. In an age dominated by distractions, such training helps students remain composed under pressure; an advantage that extends into academics and daily life. Students as young as nine are introduced to the basics, with structured sessions designed to gradually build confidence and skill. By the age of ten, they can begin competing, marking an early entry into a sport that rewards discipline and consistency. However, progress varies, while some reach the national circuit within a year, others may take several years depending on dedication and aptitude.

Bridging access and ensuring safety
One of the biggest challenges in shooting sports has been accessibility. Nalapad Academy addresses this by introducing air rifles and pistols, safe and widely used training tools; in a controlled environment. This structured approach ensures that students can learn without significant risk while building essential life skills like discipline and responsibility. Collaborations with institutions such as Elite Shooting Academy further strengthen training quality, certification, and adherence to safety standards. With trained instructors and proper infrastructure, concerns around safety are effectively mitigated, making the sport viable even at the school level.

From training to national arenas
The journey in shooting follows a structured path. Competitions begin at the state level, followed by pre-nationals and nationals. Only top performers at the national stage move on to India team trials, where consistent excellence determines international representation. Prachi herself exemplifies this pathway. Rising rapidly through the ranks, she entered the women’s junior squad within a year and represented India at the Junior World Cup in Germany in 2023. Her return as a coach reflects a commitment to guiding the next generation. Early success stories are already emerging. A 13-year-old student recently advanced to nationals in his first attempt, while another student qualified for major national championships in Bhopal—highlighting the academy’s growing impact.

Building future champions
Currently in its early stages, the programme prioritises strong foundational training over numbers. Conducted as an after-school activity, it allows students to balance academics and sport while gradually developing into a full-fledged initiative.The bullseye, therefore, symbolises more than just a target; it represents the shaping of resilient, confident individuals. With the right exposure and ecosystem, shooting sports could soon transform from a niche pursuit into a mainstream pathway for excellence, inspiring many more young Indians to aim high and succeed on the world stage.