Girl with the golden gun

MUMBAI: She’s a shooter with a difference. Rarely drifting from her target and ensconced in her pursuit for perfection, Upasana Parasrampuria (19) has gone from strength to strength to become one of the best shooters of her age.

A first-year student from HR College, the teenager has shot to win the country’s junior cadre at the Junior Nationals held in Ahmedabad recently. Upasana fired 565 out of the 600 points to win her maiden national title in the 25 meters pistol event.

“This is precious and being the first title ever, it will always have a special place in my heart,” said Upasana. “I took to shooting as a hobby,” she said adding that her love for the sport deepened after a stint with Jaspal Rana.

“Gradually, I started training at the Jaspal Rana Shooting Academy in Dehradun, and now I represent Maharashtra at the National level championships,” she added. “Jaspal Rana is my mentor. I would have been nothing without his support and training,” said the 19-year-old.

“Upasana has the potential to be a better shooter and is a definite international medal prospect,” said Rana from Delhi.

Rana described her as a cut above the rest and mentioned the hard work that she puts in and her commitment for the game. Sanjay Chakraborty, one of the senior most shooting coaches in the country, also lauded Upasana saying: “She has the talent to win international medals. It has been over two decades that Anjali Bhagwat has been around from the city and we want her to do well too,” Sanjay said.

Upasana is now honing her skills in air pistol (10 meters) as her second event in the sport and vwe wish her all the best in the year to come.