Shame on the system: Compulsive medal winner shooter Sanjeev Rajput is hunting for a job

It’s a disgrace for the system that one of India’s most consistent marksmen at international arena had a job hunt paramount in his thoughts when the nation was celebrating his podium finish at the 18th Asian Games.

Sanjeev Rajput, the 37-year-old shooter who was on target for the 50-metre 3 position silver on Tuesday, undisputedly is a compulsive medal hunter at international shooting arena. In an international career spanning 14 years, the ex-sailor from Indian Navy has shot with precision for 16 medals in India colours. There are six golds. The silver at the Jakabaring International Shooting Range, Palembang, Indonesia, was his fourth Asian Games medal in as many appearances. And, the first individual.

To return with an Asian Games medal is a habit for Rajput, who has been on the podium at his each Asian Games shooting championships appearance since the 2006 Doha edition, where he had won the 50m 3 position team bronze. In the next two editions at the 2010 Guangzhou and the 2014 Incheon he was in the 10m air rifle teams to win the silver and the bronze respectively. The silver on Tuesdayhappens to be his personal best in the quadrennial, continental multi sports competition.

When an achiever of the veteran shooter’s ability would have been sharing the pride in his performance, Rajput talked about an elusive job he has been hunting for survival. He was optimistic that the 18th Asian Games success might help him get the much-needed job. The struggle to fulfil personal responsibilities and stay afloat had overshadowed the glory of the moment. “I am without a job,” said Rajput, who was sacked as assistant coach from the Sports Authority of India last year.

“I am still going on because of my love for the game,” added Rajput. The competition in Indonesia has been no easier than the Olympics. This submission by Rajput was an indicator that Tokyo 2020 is the next big target on his crosshair. For now, the Asian Games medal with it will bring some assurances and financial support.

Shooting is an expensive sport and tough to pursue without consistent financial backing. Doesn’t ex-Navy marksman who has been bringing laurels the country from global supporting arena deserve a favourable consideration – not out of sympathy but in recognition of his service to the nation.

Are the authorities listening? For a positive consideration, besides his coaching acumen, Rajput brings to the table 1 gold and 2 silver medals from the ISSF World Cups; One gold, one silver and one bronze from Commonwealth Games; two silver and two bronze from the Asian Games and four gold and two silver medals from Commonwealth Champioships.

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