Bhopal: Sift Kaur Samra, a first-year MBBS student of Government GGS Medical College, Faridkot on Sunday won her first individual World Cup medal at the ISSF tournament in Bhopal.
With her bronze medal in the women's 50m rifle 3-position, Samra helped India gather altogether seven medals and ensured second place for the country.
Since the dates of the tournament clashed with the schedule of her first-year MBBS exams, Samra has requested the college authorities for holding the separate exams for her and allow her to represent the nation. However, since the college did not agree to her request, Samra had to choose between her studies and sport and she opted for her passion.
“And I’ll stick to my guns till the 2024 Olympics,” the 22-year-old medico told TOI.
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As per the latest media report by the Times of India, Samra had cleared the National-Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test for MBBS admission while keeping her sights on her aim. However, balancing both medical education and sports proved to be difficult for her and even after her bronze medal, she is concerned about her MBBS education.
Commenting on the struggle, she told the daily, “I am not able to manage shooting with MBBS. Before coming here, I requested my college to hold separate exams for me, but they refused. They went on suggesting that I should repeat the first year.”
Samra, who is the first shooter in her family, also met several ministers and other influential people seeking help. However, nothing could be done regarding the exams.
She further mentioned how she had decided to quit sports after being selected for MBBS course. “After being selected for MBBS, I had made up my mind to give up shooting. However, a national championship was being held in Bhopal, so I told myself I’ll call it quits after the tournament. I set a national record and life changed. I realised that I should not leave shooting,” she said.
When asked about her future plans regarding the MBBS course, Samra mentioned, “I haven't thought about it. I have no idea whether my college will consider me for a separate exam. I do not know what will happen about my academics,”
“I have set my sights on the next Olympics. I’ll give MBBS a thought only after that,” she added.
Samra gave a very strong performance on Sunday in the qualification of the women's 3P with 588 points. She secured the second spot after China’s Zhang Qiongyue (594). In the finals as well, Samra played consistently and secured a bronze after she shot 403.9 in the top-eight ranking round.
Speaking about her first World-cup win, she mentioned, “I have played world cups and have been a regular part of the Indian team but there was no individual medal to my name. Today, I have made it and I am happy.”
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