Saurabh, Manu combine to shoot gold in mixed event
Duo bags third gold for India and erase disappointment of the last couple of days
NEW DELHI: Manu Bhaker was all smiles on Wednesday. She finally had a gold medal to show in the mixed team event with Saurabh Chaudhary on the final day of the ISSF World Cup at the Karni Singh shooting range here. The Indian pair shot 483.4 to top the charts, leaving behind China’s Ranxin Jiang and Bowen Zhang, who scored 477.7. The bronze medal was won by the Korean pair of Kim Minjung and Daehun Park (418.8).
It was India’s third gold in the tournament after Apurvi Chandela (10m air rifle) and Saurabh Chaudhary (10m air pistol). Though Indian shooters shot medals on the first two days, there was disappointment after that. India emerged joint toppers with Hungary in the medals tally with three gold medals.
The two teenaged teammates were right on the mark from the qualification round where they fired 778 points to equal the world record and break the junior world record. The other Indian pair of Abhishek Verma and Heena Sidhu (770) finished ninth in qualification.
There were no Olympic quota places on offer in the mixed team competition in 10m pistol and rifle events at the World Cup here. Four quota places in the mixed events were distributed at the World Championships in Changwon last year.
The remaining field will be completed with countries forming pairs through individual quotas (men and women).
Saurabh has already won a quota place and if Manu secures one in 10m air pistol in the upcoming events, the two will make for a good pairing at the Tokyo Olympics.
Saurabh and Manu have had contrasting fortunes this week. Saurabh shot a world record score (245) to win the Tokyo Olympics quota place in his maiden World Cup appearance, while Manu disappointed in her two events.
The two are also different personalities. Saurabh keeps to himself, soaking in the pressure. The way he competed with single-minded focus put him in the spotlight as the country’s most promising shooting star.
The 17-year-old Manu, considered among the best in
When I couldn’t qualify for the 10m finals, I told myself I can’t do anything about it. I packed and went home. The next day I was confident that I can do well. MANU BHAKER, After winning gold in mixed 10m air pistol
women’s pistol, has endured a tough week. She went through a gamut of emotions in the last five days.
Competing in three events, Manu qualified for the final in 25m sports pistol, finishing fifth but failed to make the cut in the 10m air pistol event.
The focus was firmly on these young guns to win a quota place for the country at home and the expectations affected her. She in fact broke down after the 25m pistol event. It was a big relief for Commonwealth Games champion Manu who would be boosted by this performance as she aims for a quota place in the remaining qualifying events.
“It is a big satisfaction. In the earlier events I couldn’t do well despite efforts. Now I have won a medal, so it builds hope that I can do better next time,” said Manu.
She has been shooting good scores in training but was unable to replicate the performance here.
“Confidence is always there that we can match our practice scores in the match. I did well in 25m qualifying (finished second) and put my best effort in the final but it didn’t happen. There was disappointment but it happens.
“When I couldn’t qualify for the 10m finals, I told myself I can’t do anything about it now. So I just packed and went home. The next day I was confident that I can do well.”
Asked what she has learnt from Saurabh, Manu promptly said, “Saurabh’s mindset is a lot different than me in shooting. Actually, he never loses hope. He is always positive, always says “hum kar sakte hian, karenge (We can do it).” He doesn’t speak too much otherwise.”
It was a big day for Saurabh as his coach Amit Sheoran and others from his village (Kalina in Bagpat district) came to watch him. “I am happy that I could perform in front of them.”
Saurabh shot two 8.9s in the final. Asked what he was thinking after the bad shot, he said, “kuch nahin, bas bhool gaya (nothing, just forgot the earlier shot).”
RAVI, DEEPAK ASKED TO REPORT BY EMPLOYERS IAF
NEW DELHI : Ravi Kumar was focused on the last shot of the mixed air rifle qualification. The Air Force shooter was being closely watched by Deepak, who is also in the Air Force.
Ravi and Deepak have been called by the Air Force Sports Control Board to report. In the wake of growing tensions between India and Pakistan, the two are prepared for any duty on the ground. “Generally these are routine calls but the situation is such that if we are required to do duty, we are ready,” said Deepak, a sergeant. Ravi, a Junior Warrant Officer, said, “We have to be ready to serve our country. I am prepared for anything.”