Get, set, go(ld): Mehuli Ghosh on representing India on an international platform

India's participation in global sporting events has seen significant growth over the past two decades. With the 2024 Paris Olympics just around the corner, Cosmo India interacted with the athletes participating in this year's Olympic Games.

Born in Kolkata, West Bengal, Indian sport shooter Mehuli Ghosh has become renowned for her significant achievements in the 10m air rifle event, gaining prominence after winning a silver medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. In conversation with Cosmo India, Ghosh shares her journey, discussing the challenges of being a sportswoman and the honour of representing India on an international level.

Cosmopolitan India: What drew you to shooting?

Mehuli Ghosh: In 2008, I saw Abhinav Bindra (retired sport shooter) winning a gold medal at the Beijing Olympics. That is when I learnt that shooting is a sport, which you can participate in on such a big platform, and I wanted to try my hand at it. When I first held a rifle and bullet, I loved it. It felt like I was in control of everything. From there on, I wanted to do more.

C: Shooting requires accuracy and precision. How do you train yourself to achieve peak performance?

MG: Well, it is a continuous process. It is not as if once you achieve your best mental health and performance, you reach the end. You have to keep working on it. It is a lifestyle—how you keep yourself motivated; how to be in your own track and not get distracted; how to focus on your goal. However, sometimes I have to remind myself how much I love the sport. That one perspective changes everything...it pushes you to be your absolute best.

C: How do you remain consistent?

MG: It is very common to feel like you don’t want to show up. The thing to remember is that it is not only about training...it is also about how you are on the outside—how much time you spend on yourself to improve your game both physically and mentally. When I face a challenge, or if something stops me from going where I want to go, it means I am going in the right direction. Maybe it is hard today. But it won’t be hard forever. Positive self-talk is very important, because whatever you say about yourself reflects in your game. You can’t get stressed about taking a break. You have to remind yourself that your mind and body are recovering to be better the next day or in the next match.

C: What is the first thing you do instinctively when you win a competition?

MG: Sometimes there are wins, which mean a lot to me—especially competitions that you win after a neck-to-neck final. I celebrate with friends and family by going out for a good meal or shopping. I may buy something I’ve wanted for a long time that I waited to shop for until after a win.

C: How do you deal with failures?

MG: I have faced many failures so far and I know that I will face many more. But what I have learnt is even after your failures, you shouldn’t give up or sit back and do nothing about that failure. First, accept defeat, then learn from your mistakes, and understand where you went wrong.

C: What has been the most difficult challenge for you to overcome?

MG: When I started out, the equipment for shooting was expensive...and it was difficult for my family to support my career. I started with a basic weapon and it took me time to achieve my best. It also took my family a lot of convincing. Along with this, I had to move around a lot from my home in Kolkata.

C: What is the best advice you’ve received?

MG: I take advice from anyone willing to give it to me. I think one of the most important pieces of advice would be to ask yourself why you are playing the sport. Also, to always remain grounded.

C: How do you refocus right before a game?

MG: Having a pre-match routine is extremely important. It takes many matches to try and test out. I know now what helps me stay calm. Also, I don’t take jitters in a negative way. If I am feeling nervous, I believe it means I am serious about my game, or else I wouldn’t have felt it. So, I take it in a positive way. Then I look forward to what I have to do, what my technique is, what my strong points are and go ahead with it.

C: Qualifying for the Olympics is an immensely proud feeling. Take me through the moment you found out.

MG: When I won the quota, it was a special moment because it was a world championship. All the best athletes from the world compete here. I remember how I was feeling—I was confident and not second-guessing myself. I had one of my best matches. I scored 634.5. It’s been one of my best performances so far. I won the bronze medal in the finals.

C: What has been your most significant moment of pride?

MG: It was when I first won an international gold medal, right after I won the quota for the Youth Olympics. Standing up there, getting a gold medal, with the national anthem playing in the background, and India’s flag being hoisted is a moment that will be etched in my mind forever.

*At the time of going to press, Mehuli was competing at the Munich World Cup; final decision pending

This interview is part of a series by Maahi Shah that appeared in Cosmopolitan India, the May-June 2024 print edition. 

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