The profound disappointment of securing an Olympic quota place only to be denied the opportunity to represent one’s nation can leave an indelible mark. Such was the challenging experience for Tilottama Sen, who endured months of anguish after this significant setback. Now, over two years since that heartbreaking turn of events, and a full year after her eventual return to the shooting range, Tilottama has triumphantly earned her spot on the Asian Games team, marking a remarkable comeback in her burgeoning career.
At the tender age of 15, Tilottama made headlines by becoming the youngest athlete to secure an Olympic quota in the women’s 10m air rifle discipline, paving the way for the Paris Olympics. However, her dreams of competing were dashed when she ultimately lost her position to fellow shooter Ramita during the demanding Olympic trials. This unforeseen obstacle proved particularly difficult for the young athlete to navigate.
Her frustration, rather than being directed inward or at the federation, manifested as a deep-seated anger towards her chosen event, the 10m air rifle. “I was very angry at it; I started hating the event (10m). I quit shooting for some months and didn’t feel like getting back to the range,” Tilottama, now 17, candidly shared.
It was with the unwavering support of her parents that Tilottama was introduced to a new facet of her sport: the 50m rifle 3-position event. Under the guidance of coach Manoj Kumar, who encouraged her to explore this alternative, she found a new direction. “I was sure I didn’t want to start shooting again if it was 10m, so I gave 3P a try,” she explained.
While Tilottama affirms that she has moved past the initial disappointment, she admits the journey was far from easy. “I was frustrated and disillusioned when it happened. It was not easy to get out of it,” she recounted. Her parents played a crucial role in her recovery, as did her psychologist, who encouraged her to engage in activities like reading and painting to process her emotions. Focusing on her studies also provided a much-needed diversion. “It took time, but I managed to walk out of it. I am at peace with it now,” the Bengaluru-based shooter stated, reflecting on her resilience.
Embracing the new discipline of 3-position shooting presented its own set of challenges. She adopted a methodical approach, training for each position sequentially: first kneeling, then prone, and finally standing. “It was tedious, but I had to take it slow and learn the basics first before I started training for competitions,” she elaborated.
Interestingly, as she delved deeper into 3P, Tilottama found herself forgiving her initial event. “I am not angry at it anymore. I now train for both the events,” she happily reported. Looking ahead, she expressed her excitement about participating in her first multisport event. “I am happy that I have qualified to participate in my first multisport event. I will try to focus on the present and the future now,” she concluded, her focus firmly set on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
