Medal-winning markswoman Tara Shahdeo’s ambition to return to the shooting range largely depends on a spinal cord injury the 23-year-old sustained following an alleged assault by her now-estranged husband and power broker Ranjit Singh Kohli.
The Jharkhand State Rifle Association (JSRA) is keeping its fingers crossed over the fitness of the national-level shooter who has accused Kohli, alias Rakibul Hassan, of deceiving her into marriage and forceful conversion.
“At this moment, we cannot readily say if Tara will be able to withstand the physical exertion of competitive shooting. We have been told about her spine injury and it seems serious. Her shooting career will depend on how equipped she is physically,” JSRA general secretary Uttam Chand Debuka told The Telegraph.
According to Debuka, Tara’s fitness will be judged during the state shooting championship to be held in Ranchi later this month. “We will test Tara and see if she is able to withstand an hour and a half at the range without break. Fitness coupled with patience is key to scoring the bullseye. We cannot certify her fitness at this stage,” Debuka reiterated, adding that they would request Tara to take part in the event.
Tara may experience severe discomfort while competing in the 10m air pistol competition. “Shooters are required to wear hard canvas jackets to keep the body aligned, which is necessary to score points. But, it can be discomforting for someone with a back injury. Moreover, the weight of the rifle also comes into play. Tara will have face these problems,” the JSRA official said.
He underscored that the state championship would set in motion Tara’s future at the shooting range. “Pre-national and national events are coming up. These are important in shaping the career of a shooter. However, injury in the spinal cord cannot be taken lightly,” Debuka, who is also the secretary of Jamshedpur Rifle Club, said.
On behalf of JSRA, he added: “Everything said, we wish Tara all the best. We are happy that she is inclined to make a comeback. She is talented and gutsy. Shooting is her calling.”
