The Hindu : Sport : Anjali Bhagwat ready for the challenge

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Thursday, Aug 07, 2008
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Anjali Bhagwat ready for the challenge

Kamesh Srinivasan

— Photo: AP

ALL SET: Anjali Bhagwat, who will be participating in her third Olympics, has exuded quiet confidence about her chances.

BEIJING: The Chinese may be looking to kick off the Games in golden fashion by winning the first medal on offer in the 10-metre air rifle event on August 9.

In comparison, there is no such pressure on the ‘best rifle’ shooter in the world a few years ago, Anjali Bhagwat. If we can say so, she is the dark horse.

The 38-year-old, one of the favourites in Athens four years ago, could not digest the disappointment of a disastrous start in her pet event — air rifle.

Competing in her third Olympics, after having made the final on debut in Sydney, Anjali is quite sober now. Experience has taught her a lot and to stay relaxed when it matters the most.

“It is a big competition. So it doesn’t matter whether it is your first or third Olympics. Everyone is trying to win, and I am working equally hard for it. At Sydney, I was new and didn’t realise what it was. At Athens, I was too serious and time just wasn’t on my side. After Athens, I almost quit.

A bonus

“So, it is a bonus for me. Here I am, competing to fulfil my wish and passion. Maybe, I am addicted to hard work and serious training. Just can’t stay away from shooting. Whatever happens, I am ready to accept happily.

“I too am dreaming about the elusive Olympic medal, but that is not the end of the world for me anymore,” says Anjali, who has won everything in the sport, including the World Cup Finals gold and the ‘Champion of Champions’ tag, but does not have a World Championship or an Olympic medal to speak for her prowess.

She has qualified in the 50 metre 3-position event, but the world knows that the air rifle is her strong point. Anjali, however, does not want to limit her thoughts.

Difficult to predict

“I don’t want to think that way. The day has to be yours, whichever event you are shooting. It is difficult to predict. Many world class shooters have failed to qualify for Olympic finals, and many Olympic medallists have not been able to win any other competition! It is altogether a different game,” she says.

Germany’s Sonja Pfeilschifter, who has won dozens of medals in every competition but not an Olympic medal, is the favourite for both the air rifle and sport rifle 3-position events here, owing to her brilliant current form.

“Initially, we had problem of ammunition and good infrastructure. Since I got the quota in 3P, I was focusing more on it as good quality and barrel-matching ammunition matter a lot. As there were many competitions lined up to get air rifle quota for the other Indian shooters, I decided to practice only 3P,” says Anjali.

Could have worked hard

“Only after the Asian Championship did I start my air training. So, I have had very less exposure in my event. I wish I could have had more serious matches. Yet, in the last three or four months, I have worked hard in both events. My practice scores are ok, but I have not been able to give high scores in good competitions. Shooting is a technical sport. You never know when your form will come back! I am keeping my fingers crossed,” says Anjali with understandable optimism.

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