“Pressure Is a Privilege”: Parth Mane Embraces Asian Games Debut

Parth Rakesh Mane is one of the rising stars in Indian rifle shooting and, at just 18, is set to make his Asian Games debut. The 10m air rifle shooter has already made his mark on the domestic and international circuit. He clinched individual gold at the 2024 ISSF Junior World Championship in Lima and won silver at the ISSF World Cup in Granada in 2024. He also has a bronze medal from the Asian Junior Championships.

Ahead of his maiden Asian Games, Parth spoke exclusively to RevSportz about his journey, preparations and the expectations that come with representing India on the continental stage.

When asked about his preparations and training at the Bhopal camp ahead of the big challenge, Parth appeared composed and positive.

“The camp is going really well,” he said. “Right now, we are specifically working more on the mental aspect of shooting, to deal with the high-pressure environment at such games.”

He also spoke about his transition from the junior to the senior level and admitted that it was difficult initially.

“It took me a while to get used to competing alongside these high-profile athletes as a junior,” said Parth. “But I think, as time went on, it prepared me well and I picked up a lot of learnings along the way, which helped me compete with the big names. I also started focusing on improving myself every day, instead of just participating. So, yeah, it did help me become a better shooter, I feel.”

He spoke about his father’s contribution to his journey and added that it was he who introduced him to shooting. The young Parth was not aware of the sport, but his father took him to a shooting range in their hometown of Solapur, Maharashtra, when he was 13 or 14.

“I joined a summer camp and absolutely loved the environment of the range,” he said. “It ended up giving me a different kind of peace. The support from my family has truly been incredible right from the start. During the lockdown period, my father also made an effort to build a makeshift range in our house so that my practice would not be hindered. He also made an effort to shift that range from Solapur to Mumbai just for me to train at the Lakshya Shooting Club.”

He also credited the academy for his progress, saying, “My performance has only gone up since I joined the shooting club.”

Parth loves journalling before a competition day. He writes in his diary, listens to music and watches a light-hearted movie to keep himself in a calm frame of mind. He also shared his love for reading and spoke about visualisation, which he believes helps him every time.

“My inspiration in this field is my coach,” Parth said, referring to Suma Shirur, former international shooter and former coach of the Indian Olympic shooting team. “Looking at her journey, I always find motivation, especially when I think about how hard it was for shooters in her time to even arrange a rifle.”

He shared his excitement about his first Asian Games and added that it was a proud moment to represent his country.

“It is a big responsibility as well to be there alongside so many big names,” said Parth, who appears to be mature beyond his years. “But I take this pressure in a very positive manner because I believe pressure is a privilege. It helps me focus much better. Suma ma’am also says that feeling pressure is a good thing before a competition.

“I would just like to enjoy it, as this is my first Asian Games and there will be more opportunities for me in the future. Success for me is always about learning something new after every competition. It is not about a medal or an individual score.”

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