JITU ‘ ZEN’ RAI

Calmness could well be shooter Jitu Rai’s middle name. Born in Nepal, the 50 metre and 10 metre air pistol shooter is a man of few words and many high deeds. He is aware of the huge expectations, but is amazingly calm about it.

“What is the use of talking about it ( the medal)?” says Jitu, a first time Olympian. “My job is to perform and not talk.”

A Naib- Subedar in the 11 Gurkha Regiment, Jitu was born in the Sankhusawa district in Nepal, but calls India his home.

“Whatever I am is because of this country. All that I have achieved till now is thanks to my hard work and India,” he says.

It has taken a lot for Jitu to rise from mediocrity and days of frustration. During his early days in the army at Mhow, he was sent back twice due to non- performance.

The rejections spurred him and he came back stronger to make his mark in 2014, winning three medals in nine days at the World Cups. This was followed by golds at the 2014 Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Many believe he has the ability to repeat Bindra’s gold medal feat in Rio.

“When in Nepal, I did not really know what Olympics were. It was only in 2012 when my idol Vijay Kumar clinched a silver that I thought I could do so too. I will try,” he says simply.

What is the use of talking about it ( the medal)? My job is to perform and not talk... It was only in 2012 when my idol Vijay Kumar clinched a silver that I thought I could do so too. I will try