CCHS marksman’s next round: Junior Olympics in Colorado
“Ammar emphasizes the key attributes essential for success in a precision sport like pistol shooting.”
One year after earning the silver medal in the U18 air pistol at the Junior Olympics, Ammar Bagasra is looking to build on that accomplishment.
On April 14, the Acton-Carlisle High School senior will return to the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this time competing in the U21 division in the 10-meter air pistol and the 25-meter 22 caliber pistol.
“I’m pretty excited about it,” said Bagasra, 18. “I’ve been going for a few years. This year I hope to get on the podium in the Open division.”
In the Junior Olympics, athletes compete in U14, U16, U18, and U21 age groups to place in the top three of their age group. The top three overall scores, regardless of age group, earn medals in the Open division.
Bagasra started shooting when he was 8. His mother, Nisreen, introduced him to the sport. He started in the range his family has in the basement and eventually found his way to the Massachusetts Rifle Club and the Massachusetts Junior Pistol Team in Woburn, where Louis Matnog has coached him for the last six years.
“Ammar emphasizes the key attributes essential for success in a precision sport like pistol shooting: self-discipline, focus, patience and consistent practice,” Matnog said in an email. “He exemplifies these qualities, which are crucial to overcoming challenges and attaining high performance levels.”
Nisreen was an accomplished shooter in her own right, competing at the World Cup in 2016 and the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials.
“She believes that when you hear something from a coach who is not your parent, you learn it better,” Bagasra said.
Beyond physical skill
“The mental aspect is huge,” he said.
“You have to do the same movements over and over. You have to be able to control yourself when things go wrong. It’s very repetitive, and you have to make sure your actions are the same every time once you’ve learned the right technique. You’re shooting for an hour and 15 minutes, and a lot of thoughts can go through your head.”
The physical aspect is also challenging. A shooter has to control their breathing and keep the pistol steady for a prolonged time.
“Just holding it uses a lot of small muscles,” Bagasra said.
One thing that has helped Bagasra’s shooting is his other sport. He has been on Acton-Carlisle’s wrestling team since he was a freshman. This season, he qualified for the MIAA Division 2 state tournament at 150 pounds.
“It does help a lot with cardio and breath control,” said Bagasra, who noted his resting heart rate is 55 beats per minute. “It’s also made me stronger and has been huge for helping with discipline.”
That cardio will help in Colorado Springs with its altitude.
“Last year I passed out,” he said. “I’m not sure what happened, but once I got some food and water I felt better.”
Bagasra will not be alone. He will be joined by his teammates and looks forward to sharing his experience with them.
“We all have each other’s backs,” he said. “I’m a team captain, and I can help them feel more comfortable.”
After graduation, Bagasra will head to Tufts University, where he plans to study economics and finance. He also hopes to start a pistol club.
Continuing to compete at a high level is also on his agenda.
“The goal is the 2028 Olympic trials,” he said.
