Jitu Rai was the only shooter who was able to follow up on his gold from the last Commonwealth Games (CWG), with one more in Gold Coast.
“I am happy with the gold in air pistol this time. Last time, I did not get to shoot air pistol and got the gold in free pistol with a record. It is gold with record this time also. You can never think about a competition as small or big. You have to try your best,” said Jitu at an interaction arranged by the National Rifle Association of India.
Heena Sidhu recalled how she was disappointed at losing gold in air pistol and happy to win 25m sports pistol.
“You tend to expect more from you. Even though I was not shooting well, I was happy the way I fought to reach the silver medal in air pistol. India won the gold and silver, so it was good. I was relaxed in sports pistol as nobody expects me to do great. But, we had trained hard and it was good feeling to get the gold,” said Heena.
Returning with a CWG gold 12 years after Melbourne was a “very satisfying and motivating’’ experience for Tejaswini Sawant.
“My coach Kuheli Gangulee had stressed on mental toughness over the years, and it was a great feeling to know that one was good for the gold once again. You keep working hard and results like this, especially in a marathon event like rifle 3-position event, confirms that you are on the right track,” said Tejaswini.
“I enjoy shooting. That is what helps me train well and enjoy as well. Irrespective of the level of competition, we have to keep shooting our best and keep getting better,” remarked Tejaswini.
For Sanjeev Rajput, who had quit the Navy and had been investing his hard-earned money in the sport, it was a great relief to gain financial security through the cash awards.
