“We aim to give our best, not obsess over medals”: Elavenil Valarivan
Double Asian Games silver medallist Elavenil Valarivan arrives in Ahmedabad, sharing her philosophy on performance and her sights on the 2028 Olympics.
Double Asian Games silver medallist Elavenil Valarivan was greeted with a hero's welcome upon her arrival at the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Returning home after a stellar performance, the shooter shared her unique perspective on competition, emphasizing process over podiums.
Focus on Performance Over Medals
Reflecting on her recent achievements, Valarivan maintained that her primary objective is personal excellence rather than a fixation on hardware. She noted that while the medal count could have potentially been higher on days when her performance reached its absolute peak, she remains undeterred.
"We always aim to give our best rather than obsessing over medals. The priority is simply to perform at our peak; while the medal outcome could have been better on the days I gave my best, there are plenty of upcoming championships to focus on now," she told ANI.
The shooter expressed that instead of dwelling on what could have been, she is looking forward to the numerous upcoming championships that offer fresh opportunities for glory.
A Journey Supported by a 'Village'
Valarivan was quick to acknowledge that her rise in the world of shooting was not a solitary effort. She credited a massive ecosystem of support that has nurtured her talent from the early stages.
She highlighted the critical roles played by:
- The Sports Authority of Gujarat
- The Gujarat Government Sports Department
- Gun for Glory Shooting Academy
- Educational institutions including Vijay Bharti and Sanskar Dham
Invoking the proverb, "It takes a village to raise a child," Valarivan explained how the synergy between the state government, sports academies, and schools created the foundation for her success. She noted that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Sports Authority of Gujarat, the Government of Gujarat, and the Gun for Glory Shooting Academy was a turning point in her development.
Looking Toward 2028
Despite the high-stakes nature of international shooting, Valarivan is choosing to stay grounded. After the intense competition, her immediate plan is to disconnect from the professional grind and reconnect with her personal life.
"Right now, I just want to go home and spend time with my family and friends. The Olympics are coming up in 2028, of course, but for now, I’m just focusing on the present," she added.
While her eyes are set on the 2028 Olympics, her current priority remains mental rejuvenation and enjoying the moment with loved ones.
Asian Games Success Summary
Valarivan's recent campaign was marked by two significant podium finishes:
- Silver Medal: Women’s 10m air rifle team event, competing alongside teammates Sonam Maskar and Vidarsa Vinod.
- Silver Medal: Individual women’s 10m air rifle event.