'There are very few people from Keralam in this sport': Vidarsa K Vinod after becoming the state's first Asian Games shooting medallist

Vidarsa K Vinod has created history by becoming the first woman sportsperson from Kerala to win an Asian Games medal in shooting. Vidarsa won silver in the women’s 10m air rifle team event at the Asian Games in Japan, marking a memorable debut at the continental event.For her, the medal is especially meaningful because she is also competing in the women’s 50m rifle 3 Positions event, which she considers her main event.Speaking to a TV channel, she said she was delighted to win a medal in her first Asian Games."There are very few people from Keralam in this sport and I am happy to be first woman from the state to win a medal in shooting," she said.From NCC to Asian Games medalVidarsa took up shooting in 2018 through the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and decided to make it her profession the following year. Much of her training has been based in Delhi as she worked her way into the international circuit.Her journey has also involved personal sacrifices. Vinod got married around a year and a half ago, but soon after the wedding, she resumed training and began competing in international events, leaving little time for her and her husband to be together.She credited her medal to the backing she received from her family and coach."Without any of their support I could not have achieved this," she said.Her mother said the family was extremely proud of the achievement."I am proud of her achievement," she said.Her father, meanwhile, hopes his daughter can go one step further and win gold in her main event.The 10m air rifle team silver has already given Vinod renewed confidence ahead of the 50m rifle 3 Positions event on September 26.She also welcomed the Kerala government's decision to announce cash rewards for Asian Games medallists. The state has promised Rs 50 lakh for gold, Rs 30 lakh for silver and Rs 20 lakh for bronze."Prior to this our sportspersons had not received any such cash prize from the government. So, this support gives us energy to perform," she said.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.