Qatari shooter Aisha Al Suwaidi poses for a photograph with her rifle. The 19-year-old believes reaching the 2020 Olympic Games and competing against the best is a 'realistic' goal.
For 19-year-old Qatari rifle shooter Aisha Al Suwaidi, reaching the 2020 Olympic Games and competing against the best is a 'realistic' goal.
"Yes, why not? I have enough time do it. Three years to go before the Olympics Games and I feel I can be there in Tokyo," Aisha said in an interview with The Peninsula.
"I have done well over the years. I have been competing internationally for six years now. I have done extremely well in regional shooting competitions. Recently, I won the Emir Cup Championships. I also won a gold at an event held in Al Ain," the affable youngster added.
"If I do my best at top events, I can go ahead and realize my dreams. I know this requires hard work and I am ready to do the hard work," she said confidently.
Excerpts from a Q&A session with Suwaidi.
Q: Can you talk to us about your preparation for the Baku Games?
A: We have been preparing for a long while at our shooting range. We have taken part in a number of events in the region as well. I was at an event in the UAE recently. I featured in the Emir Cup shooting championships just last month. Other than that, we have been practicing every day. We feel that we are in the right shape and I hope we can do well.
Q: What are your expectations for the shooting competition at Baku Games?
A: Yes, I am confident I can win a medal (smiles). I am looking for the gold. I need to do my best. I hope I can do my best. Frankly speaking any medal would be good.
Q: How long have been preparing for the Baku Games?
A: Actually we are always in battle-ready mode. We are mentally prepared.
Q: What are you future goals?
A: I want to compete at the Olympics and the World Championships. I am preparing myself for those two big events. These are the competitions that excite me.
Q: How did you get into shooting?
A: I tried other sports when I was young. But somehow when I tried my hand at shooting, it just felt better. I found that this is one sport that comes naturally to me. I just like this sport.
Q: How many shooting girls are going to Baku with you?
A: There are three shooters including myself. We are a good group of shooters. We are looking forward to our departure for the Games. I think we are flying out on the 10th of this month.
Q: Do you aspire to be the best woman shooter in the country?
A: Yes, you could say that. But I just don't want to be the best in Qatar. I want to be the best in the world (smiles). I know this requires hard work and I am willing to go the extra mile. I can do it. I have won events around the region. I have done well at the GCC shooting events as well. I have done well in home events as well. I have also featured at the international events.
Q: What about your studies?
A: I finished high school recently. I haven't started my college yet. (Currently) I am concentrating on my shooting. But soon I would be deciding on my studies when I am free from my next assignment. I would like to continue my studies. It is not that difficult because our shooting time is different from our study time. I could easily manage to give both subjects my time. Whenever I had exams, I would stop shooting.
Q: Does your family support you?
A: Yeah, everyone in my family supports me. Their support is so valuable to me. They want me to do well in shooting and they also want me to do well in my studies.
Q: Do you think you have inspired other young girls to take up this sport?
A: Yes, shooting is on the rise. Young girls are showing interest. If you see somebody young in shooting, they will tell you they also want to move ahead. I feel that I inspire them.
Q: Have you met Nasser Saleh Al Attiyah?
A: I have met him. But I haven't had the chance to talk to him about shooting. I know he won a bronze medal at the London Olympics in 2012. And that's my target too - to win an Olympic medal. Hopefully I can be there at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Q: How many hours do you train every week?
A: Well, there are days off from shooting but when I am at the range, I shoot for two to three hours per session.
Q: Do you think you have enough time to qualify for the Tokyo Games?
A: Actually the time is enough to do well and reach the Games. I just need to do my best. I am at the right age. I started when I was 13. I have already been doing this for six years. It's good. I started at the perfect age. It is better to start when you are 11.
