Eagle's Eye: Mampi Das
The world came to know of Mampi Das in September 2012, when she matched the world record score of 400/400 in women’s air rifle event during the National selections trial at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex. It was only the third time that an Indian woman shooter had shot a perfect score. Suma Shiroor had performed the feat in 2004 at the Asian Shooting Championships in Kuala Lumpur to enter the record books. Driving the inspiration to reach this amazing feat from Shalini Chahar, a fellow shooter who shot 399 gave Mampi Das a platform of a friendly rivalry to bring out her best. Even though her amazing effort wasn't taken into consideration as a world record since the national and selection trials were not taken into account by the International Shooting Sports Federation, Lakshya was all out there for her, reaching out with a helping hand.
Lakshya, an organization which seeks out athletes who lack economical support and help them, provided Mampi Das with all the necessary equipment, health care, coaching and other basic necessities. Mampi Das after that never looked back and started making big strides in her game.
Here is a list of her achievements:
- She won a Gold medal for 10 meters air rifle team held at Junior Shooting Championship, Suhl in Germany.
- In September 2013, during national selections, she matched the world record score of 400/400 in Women’s Air Rifle Event held at Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Pune.
- At 2013 Asian Youth Games, held at FangShan Shooting Hall, China, she secured 6th position.
Born and raised in Kolkata, West Bengal, she took up shooting at the mere age of 11. She was fortunate to have supportive parents even though they didn't have the means for a sport like shooting. Her father, Manik Das is a driver with the WBSRTC (West Bengal State Road Transport Corporation). She did her schooling at Christ Church Girls High School, Kolkata.
"She is, without doubt, an outstanding shooter. And Mampi balances her passion and studies with ease. She is someone who is immensely mature for her age and knows where to focus and where not to", noted Raninder Singh, president of NRAI (National Rifle Association of India).
Former shooter Jaspal Rana, who is the pistol coach of the junior Indian team, gave thumbs up for Mampi's work ethic.
"At such a young age, Mampi has a clear vision of what she wants. I don't think many are blessed with that. All that she needs now is a lot of support and the best of facilities to train. Once she receives that, you will see her performance go up even further", Jaspal said.
Since 2007, Mampi has been coached by P.T.Raghunath. Currently, she is being trained by the coach of senior Indian team - Stanislaus Lapidus. She is seen as a strong candidate in Shooting for the next Olympics.
Lakshya is proud of her and her achievements and hopes that she excels in every point she aims. Mampi is the bright new hope for Indian shooting.
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