From Modest Beginnings to the Asian Games: The Inspiring Journey of Vidarsa K Vinod
In 2018, when Vidarsa K Vinod first took up a rifle through the National Cadet Corps (NCC), she had simple dreams. Hailing from Kozhikode, Kerala, her initial goal was to enjoy the sport and perhaps use it as a stepping stone to a stable government job.
Fast forward to today, and the 27-year-old is gearing up to represent India at the prestigious Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, competing in the 10m Air Rifle and 50m Rifle 3 Positions events. Her journey to the national team showcases her resilience and dedication, sparked by a pivotal question from her husband, fellow shooter Manu S Ravi.
Humble Beginnings in Kerala
Growing up in a middle-class household, Vidarsa’s father was a contractor while her mother stayed at home. The high costs of competitive shooting meant she started her journey with borrowed equipment. Despite becoming the overall champion at the Kerala State Championship, owning a professional rifle seemed like a distant dream – until Manu came into her life.
Post the COVID-19 pandemic, the two met at the shooting range and built a strong friendship that eventually led to marriage. Today, Manu is not only her husband but also her shooting coach. However, during a time when Vidarsa felt stuck in her career, he prompted her with a life-changing question: “Why don’t you own a rifle?”
At first, she found the idea amusing because buying one seemed impossible financially. But Manu encouraged her to pursue her dreams more seriously. This support led her to talk to her parents, and in 2021, they took out a loan to buy her first rifle—an investment that marked a significant turning point in her career. With Manu’s guidance and coach Manoj Kumar’s expertise, her scores began to improve, earning her her first national medal in 2022.
Committing to Full-Time Shooting
With newfound belief, Vidarsa made the bold choice to move to New Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range for serious training, while Manu returned to Kerala to coach. Living alone in a new city, where she struggled with the language, she managed cooking, chores, and tough double training sessions all on her own.
“Living alone in Delhi was challenging,” she shared. “It was tiring both physically and mentally, but I knew these sacrifices were necessary for representing my country.”
In early 2024, she faced immense pressure—financial strains and near misses almost led her to quit. “I nearly made the decision to give up. My family and Manu had sacrificed so much for me, and I felt guilty,” she reflected. “But they kept believing in me, even when I didn’t believe in myself.”
The Journey to the Asian Games
That collective faith bore fruit when Vidarsa earned a place at the Sports Authority of India’s National Centre of Excellence (NCOE). With support for equipment, nutrition, and top-notch facilities, her worries began to fade.
Freed from financial stress and backed by the transparency of selections from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Vidarsa’s performance soared. She achieved her first international medal at the 2025 Asian Shooting Championship, solidifying her place in the Asian Games.
As she prepares to compete alongside India’s top shooters in Aichi-Nagoya, Vidarsa remains focused on the journey that brought her here and the strong support system that helped her through tough times.
“I don’t see my competitors; I’m focused on bettering myself,” she explained. “My ultimate dream is to be World No. 1 and to keep pushing my limits every time I step onto the range.”
Vidarsa’s story is a powerful reminder that with belief and support, obstacles can be overcome, and dreams can become reality.
