Star shooter S. Praveena came up with yet another sizzling show in the Tamil Nadu State shooting championship in Madurai last week.
The second year B.Com. (CA) student of PSG College of Arts and Science not only enjoyed her best medal haul but also had her name etched in the record books for her effort in the 10m peep sight air rifle in the women and junior women categories.
“I have participated in seven State championships, but I must admit this was the best. Obviously, I am excited as I shot my highest score of 390/400 for a new meet record in both the classes,” said an elated Praveena.
“I shot the same in the youth nationals in Delhi last year for the bronze. I am glad I did it again,” she added.
The 19-year-old, who struck two gold, a silver and two bronze medals individually besides the four gold in the team section, incidentally broke her own record of 388 set in the State championship in Chennai last year.
“If I am able to make some impression, the credit must go to the Coimbatore Rifle Club and its members. The college has been a big support as well,” said Praveena, who has struck the right balance between academics and shooting.
Praveena, who has shot over 40 medals in both the State and national events over the years, is certainly the pick of the sports recruits in her college last year. “She indeed is. We will take this to the management and get the best possible support for her in future meets. And, I am sure the management, which has always encouraged its sportspersons, will be glad enough to help her,” said B. Navaneethan, Director of Physical Education, PSG CAS.
Praveena is determined to get a berth in the Indian squad.
“I have set my eyes on a score of 395. I am training accordingly. A score of 392, which I have done on a couple of occasions in practise, is enough for a place but I have increased my target score to ensure that I do not fall short.”
“I want to do it in the nationals in Delhi by the year end. I have got the Gun for Glory championship in Pune next month. It will serve as an ideal platform for me to find where I stand. The next six months is going to be pretty crucial for me. And, I don’t mind working that extra load to achieve my goal,” she added.
About 40 shooters from the city took part in the State championship and most of them reaped a rich reward for their efforts. Also, five records took a beating of which P. Shrinivetha accounted for three, two by Praveena and N.G. Vignesh Krishna and one each by M. Srisha and R. Shivanth Krishna.
