Adriyan Karmakar, chip off the old block, takes aim at Junior World Cup

When Adriyan Karmakar (20) takes aim in 50 m rifle prone under the Indian flag at the ISSF Junior World Cup shooting in Suhl, Germany on Tuesday, he will achieve a rare feat, that of emulating his father Joydeep, a distinguished World Cupper and Olympian who narrowly missed a bronze medal in London 2012.

Much as shooting has seen a revolution of sorts in the country since the new millennium, thanks to the likes of Abhinav Bindra, Gagan Narang or Manu Bhaker, examples of a father-son combination making the country proud in a stage as rarefied as the World Cup are rare. Joydeep, one of the most sought after coaches in the country now, made his debut in the senior World Cup in 2006 as the Junior World Cup was yet to be introduced.

‘’Yes, we are excited but at the same time, I have to be realistic about the expectations. My advice to him has been to go in with the mindset of a learner as it will help him battle the pressure well but at the same time, also to give his best,’’ Joydeep told National Herald during an exclusive chat.

Part of a 57-member jumbo Indian squad in Suhl, Adriyan will compete in two of his favourite events: 50m rifle-three position and 50m rifle prone in the age group event to be held from 20-26 May. India had emerged on top of the last edition in Suhl in 2023 with six gold, six silver and three bronze medals.

Starting as early as 10, the still baby-faced Adriyan has been making heads turn in the shooting fraternity for the last five to six years, winning medals in the Asian Championship and World University Games while repeatedly stamping his class in the Khelo India Youth Games.

Asked about his build-up for the tournament, Karmakar Sr said Adriyan encountered some issues with change of equipment such as jackets and trousers, but has managed to come to terms with them. ‘’It’s a sport where every subtle change in equipment matters. He was not happy with it during the last Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship and even contemplated switching back to the old equipment. However, Adi (as his parents call him) has been gradually doing much better with it and decided to go ahead with the new kit,’’ he said.

Consistent graph

Now that the moment of reckoning has come for Adriyan, how does his father assess his performance graph? ‘’The graph has not been a phenomenal one but the heartening aspect about his progress is he has been shooting quite consistently. I expect him to shoot in the region of 592 or 593 while he has a lot of time on his hands for the big leap,’’ Joydeep said.

Asked what would be his words of motivation, he came up purely with words of pragmatism. “I do not speak or try to send motivational messages to my students, even my son, ahead of their events. Rather, I remind them that once inside the range, he or she is alone. It develops maturity and mental strength,’’ the ace added.