Arjun Babuta's Journey from Injury to Olympics: A Tale of Resilience

Arjun Babuta came fourth in the men's air rifle Paris Olympics final. Unfortunately, a single shot in the bronze medal decision led to his missing the medal. Despite the heartbreaking result, it's essential to bear in mind that Babuta's participation in the Olympics itself is a feat, given his journey.

The Chandigarh-based shooter suffered a lower back injury six years ago, primarily due to overtraining and putting too much strain on his back. Along with this, back in 2018, Babuta faced several serious health issues. While aiming with his rifle, his body often collapsed, leading him to frequent hospital visits and meetings with doctors. This was due to excessive training without proper rest and recovery guidance.

His turning point arrived when he fell while training in Chennai. Intensive rehab and treatment commenced, with multiple doctors commenting that his shooting days were over. Despite this, Babuta's determination never diminished. He sought help wherever available, often worsening the state of his injuries in his eagerness. Eventually, in 2019, a doctor from Patiala assured him that recovery was possible.

For this, Babuta underwent a hearty rehab process that went on for months. Although this meant that he couldn't participate in the Tokyo Olympics, it gave him a chance to regain his physical strength. The lockdown was a particularly productive period for him, enabling him to set up a home range and reach his peak.

Over the past three years, Babuta has put up grand scores and seen no return of his past injuries. He emerged as the second-best Indian shooter in the Olympic Selection Trials, making it to the Paris Olympics team. Even though he missed the podium by a narrow margin, Babuta has proven his resilience and determination on this journey from injury to the Olympics.