At the age of 11, when kids are often busy playing video games and outdoor sports, Manavaditya Singh Rathore was trying to lift his father’s gun in the backyard shooting range of the military bungalow in Delhi. Well, this might sound bizarre to many, but it was quite normal for a son of the legendary Olympic silver medallist shooter and former union minister, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore. 
Clad in a plain black shirt and trouser, and a pleasant smile for the cover shoot, the 22-year-old Manavaditya recalls, “I was 11 when I lifted my dad’s gun for the first time and that is when I realized, this is where I belong to.” With a dream to represent India at the global platform, he started getting training under his father’s mentorship and in no time won the bronze medal in the Junior (U21) National Championship in Delhi in 2011, which marked him as the youngest ever medallist at the National Championship at the age of 12. He also won gold in the second Youth (U16) Shooting Championship in Kuwait, represented India in the Junior (U21) World Cup, and bagged his biggest gold yet at the prestigious Khelo India Youth Games 2019. He followed that up by winning three gold medals at the recent 63rd National Shotgun Shooting Championship in New Delhi. His ambition of being one of India’s best shooters in the future is not surprising, considering his pedigree. In an exclusive chat with TMM, ambitious and focused Manavaditya talks about his passion for shooting and much more.
Your father is an Olympic medallist. Did you ever feel that pressure of performance in your career till date?
(Laughs) It was there when I entered the shooting range as a 9-year-old kid and it still exists when I am 22. At that time, every 5 meters I was asked about a ‘gold medal’. Initially, it did bother me, but gradually I took in my stride. As I grew, I realized how lucky I am to learn the intricacies of shooting from a champion of his time. But it is also a fact that it’s my journey and I will live it my way.
What kind of bond do you share with your father?
From the very beginning, we are friends at home and share a strong bond as a father and a son, but when we are at the shooting range, he is my coach and mentor, who shouts at me but also appreciates me for my right skills. Because of the military background, discipline and timeliness are an integral part of our lifestyle. While people think that we have had a very fancy upbringing, but the reality is, he never let his professional glory enter the house. At home, he has always been a dutiful father and a husband of values. I feel that is the way it should be. Going forward, I hope to carry his legacy with utmost pride!
How do you create a balance between your training and personal life?
I am a morning person, so my day starts pretty early and I prefer to train during the morning hours. At present, due to the pandemic, I am not going to the shooting range, but otherwise, I dedicate 5 to 6 hours daily on my practice, and rest at home, I dedicate time to my studies and higher education, because it is very important for my holistic growth as a person in the long run. Also, at home, I have a mini gym, which is my favourite spot, and you will often find me there burning calories.
How do you relate with the attribute of an adrenaline junkie?
Yes, I am! As a person, I am much more than sports. Anything and everything that excites me in life, I just go ahead and explore it. From reading about advertising and marketing to exploring undiscovered paths, trekking, and adventure activities, for me the sky is the limit!
Are you a fitness freak?
Not exactly a fitness freak, but yes, I love weight training and I feel that more than physical fitness, it’s the mental well-being that is of utmost priority for me. And being active helps me attain the same.
As a Delhi boy, what do you love the most about the city?
Food, food, and food! From street food to fine dining, the city offers a lot. While I am not very much experimental, but the idea of standing on the street and relishing chaat, pan puri, and tikka sounds very tempting. My go-to dining place with family and friends is Olive Bar & Kitchen. I am so frequent, that you will find me chilling at Olives 3-5 times a month.
When it comes to fashion, are you experimental or do you play safe?
I love wearing formals and I will credit this to my upbringing and the disciplined life I have lived till date. If I am out of the house, you will always find me in a crisp and neat shirt nicely tucked in formal pants. That’s me, simple and sober. (winks)
Who is your go-to person to unwind after a hectic or a bad day?
I guess it’s my mom! We sit and talk for hours about everything, except sports and I feel being with her rejuvenates me and helps me forget all the worries of life.
What is your idea about love?
It’s an emotion, which has many connotations. For a kid, it will have a different meaning, while for youth like me; love can have a different meaning altogether. I am a love seeker and the day I find it, will be in a better position to define it appropriately.
How do you define success?
In simple words, being a good human makes you successful. People often don’t resonate with the thought, but I feel that profession and career are just a part of your identity, but when it comes to what actually makes you successful, it’s your attitude and intentions in life.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
I really wish to make India and my parents proud. Apart from that, I want to help others in the best possible manner. I have seen my father working hard and serving mankind and I am fortunate to have everything. So, in the next 5 years, you will see me doing a lot of work at ground level and serve humanity. Also, I aspire to open my own startup that will also work for the betterment of people at large.
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