‘I won’t leave it until I win’: Khan returns for his 4th Asiad with same Oly dream

Mairaj Ahmad Khan’s return to the Asian Games after nearly two decades has sparked nostalgia among fans and shooting enthusiasts. The 50-year-old skeet shooter is not just fighting for a medal or breaking records – he’s chasing an Olympic gold medal that has eluded him for over two decades.

The Olympic gold represents the pinnacle of achievement in his sport, but as Khan approaches the twilight of his career, one can’t help but wonder if this will be his last chance to grasp it. The pressure is palpable, and the stakes are high – not just for Khan, but also for India’s shooting fraternity.

Khan’s journey in skeet shooting has been a long and winding road. He began as a cricket enthusiast before transitioning into competitive shooting, overcoming numerous obstacles to become one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Despite his success – including becoming the first Indian skeet shooter to qualify for the Olympic Games and winning a men’s skeet World Cup gold – the elusive Olympic medal remains just that.

The absence of Khan from the Asian Games over the past two cycles has been a significant blow to India’s shooting aspirations. His experience and expertise would have undoubtedly boosted the team’s morale and performance. But even as he prepares for his fourth Asian Games, it’s clear that this won’t be business as usual.

Khan’s approach to competition is refreshingly straightforward – he treats every event with equal importance, regardless of whether it’s an Olympic Games or a domestic selection trial. This mindset has served him well over the years but also speaks to a broader issue within India’s shooting community: the tendency to elevate international events above all else.

Khan’s experience reflects the evolution of skeet shooting in India, which has undergone significant transformations over the years. From its humble beginnings as an expensive sport dominated by the elite, shooting has become more accessible due to sponsorship and support from organizations like Naveen Jindal’s.

However, this growth has also brought new challenges. As more athletes enter the scene, competition for limited spots on the national team becomes increasingly fierce. Khan’s own experiences – including his struggles to make a name for himself in an era dominated by richer and better-equipped shooters – speak to these challenges.

Italian coach Ennio Falco played a significant role in shaping Khan’s career. Under Falco’s guidance, Indian shooters adopted a winning mentality, and their performances on the international stage improved dramatically. Falco emphasized changing the mindset of Indian shooters, encouraging them to approach competition with a fresh perspective – an influence that continues to inspire Khan.

As Khan prepares for what may be his last major international tournament, a new generation of Indian shooters is emerging onto the scene. Young athletes like Anant Jeet Singh Naruka and Mehuli Ghosh are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in skeet shooting, and their success will be crucial to India’s chances at future Asian Games.

Khan’s legacy will continue to inspire generations of athletes to come. His commitment to his craft, unwavering dedication to his country, and refusal to give up in the face of adversity are qualities that will be remembered for years to come.

As he stands on the brink of what may be his final major international tournament, Mairaj Ahmad Khan remains an icon of Indian skeet shooting. His story is one of perseverance, hard work, and a passion for his sport – qualities that will continue to inspire athletes around the world long after he hangs up his shooting jacket.

The curtain may be falling on Khan’s illustrious career, but it’s clear that his impact on Indian skeet shooting will endure for generations to come.