Dhanraj my inspiration, says former ace shooter Jaspal Rana

LUCKNOW: Emotions ran high when two legends of Indian sports met on Saturday during the Inter-Jaipuria Schools Sports Meet ‘Pinnacle-2018’ here after a long gap.

They not only embraced each other but one of them also collected the autograph of his senior pro on his shirt.

This was very much witnessed at the 35th Battalion, PAC Stadium when ‘pistol king’ Jaspal Rana met former Indian hockey captain Dhanraj Pillay. An ace shooter of his times, Rana insisted that the Indian hockey’s first poster boy Pillay give his autograph on his shirt in presence of young sportspersons.

“It’s my respect to my elder brother Dhanraj as despite being a shooter I always looked up to him for inspiration during my playing days,” Jaspal was quick to react when asked for his gesture.

“He (Jaspal) made me emotional with this gesture,” Dhanraj said later.

Praising young Indian shooters for their successful run at the international level, Jaspal felt that shooters like Manu Bhaker, Anees and Saurabh Chaudhary are the best Olympic hopes for India in future.

“These shooters are clearly Olympic materials and we should be careful in preparing them for glory. I am really happy with the way our shooters have been performing,” said Jaspal, who has been a multiple Asian Games and Commonwealth

THEY NOT ONLY EMBRACED EACH OTHER BUT ONE OF THEM ALSO COLLECTED THE AUTOGRAPH OF HIS SENIOR PRO ON HIS SHIRT

Games gold medallist. He is now the junior national coach.

He, however, criticised the Uttar Pradesh Sports Directorate for ignoring the success of shooters like Saurabh Chaudhary.

“He (Saurabh) should have been honoured with big cash awards during the state award function recently as the boy from Meerut has won medals at international level,” Jaspal added.