Three years ago doctors told Prakash Nanjappa that his career is over when he suffered a ‘paralytic attack’ during the ISSF World Cup in Granada in 2013.
The ace Indian shooter was diagnosed with Bell's palsy, mainly on the right side of his face. But the will power and passion for the sport didn’t stop Nanjappa from doing what he loved the most, i.e., shooting.
"That was the scariest part of my life. The doctor said I would have to stop shooting. I replied it is not at all possible. I was adamant. The doctors saw my stubbornness and motivated me," Prakash Nanjappa told News18.com in an interview.
He worked hard and finally made his return in just three months and stamped his authority by winning a silver medal in 50m air pistol at the Asian Shooting Championships held in Tehran in 2013.
“I just wanted to make a comeback. There was a push from inside. It was the love for the sport that continuously kicked me from inside. I recovered with time and rest is in front of us. I am really thankful to my friends and federation for the immense support," Nanjappa said.
The 40-year-old, the oldest to make an Olympic debut for India, didn’t look back after that.
The Bangalore-born Nanjappa earned a quota place for Rio Olympics 2016 after finishing eighth in the finals of 50-metre air pistol event at the 2015 ISSF World Cup in Gabala, Azerbaijan.
"This will be my first Olympics. I have prepared myself in every aspect for this mega event. I have been waiting for this day. The preparations have been fantastic, and the day has come when I have to go and perform," Nanjappa said.
Nanjappa has had a good run of form in the last couple of years. He won a bronze medal at the 2013 Changwon World Cup and followed it with a bronze and silver at 2014 Asian Games in Incheon and 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow respectively.
He also warmed-up for his maiden Olympics in style when he won a bronze medal in the 2016 ISSF World Cup in Korea.
On being asked about the chances of medal in Rio, the 40-year-old said: "Every athlete who is going to represent country at the Olympics has medal on mind. We have given ourselves four years. We have gone through rigorous training, participated in many tournaments, focussed on points and qualified for Olympics. Now the day every athlete waits for has come. I just want to go and give my best. If I do that, I will get the medal for my country.
"I am in a good touch. I have shot good scores recently. I am confident of making it to the finals of the event. In the final, the scores becomes zero and you need to start afresh. If I enter the final of the event, I am sure I can make it to the podium," he said.
He is not thinking about the pressure at the quadrennial event.
"Honestly, I am hardly thinking about this [pressure]. If you will think, the pressure will automatically rise. I have experience with me. I have played many tournaments and I know Olympics will be a different stage to perform on. But I am not thinking about that. I just want to go and perform,” he said.
Interestingly, Nanjappa has won all his three medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and ISSF World Cup in 10m air pistol, but the Rio Games will see the shooter taking aim in 50-metre pistol event.
Does it hamper his chances?
"It doesn’t matter. If you are expert in driving, then you can drive an Audi, BMW or Hyundai or any other car. It is like that only. If you ask me, it doesn’t make much of a difference. I am ready for the challenge," a confident Nanjappa said.
Nanjappa took up shooting because of his father.
"My father is an international level shooter. One day, he took me to the range and introduced me to the sport. That’s how it started. Later, I met senior shooters like Samresh Jung, who taught me a lot of things. With time, I gained experience," he concluded.