Pooja Ghatkar claims bronze medal at ISSF World Cup, credits Gagan Narang for success

Ace rifle shooter Gagan Narang has always wished to give something back to the sport that gave him so much and the Olympic medallist’s wish was, in a way, fulfilled when his ward Pooja Ghatkar claimed the bronze medal at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi on Friday.

Moments after scripting her biggest win, shooter Ghatkar attributed her success to Narang and said he played a major role in shaping her career.

Narang was in the audience as the 27-year-old Ghatkar claimed the bronze medal in women’s 10m air rifle event on the first day of the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi on Friday.

After two final appearances in the past, this was her maiden medal in a World Cup and Narang, as the mentor, played his role to perfection.

“I haven’t planned anything but Gagan Narang played a big role and supported me both mentally and technically. Mental and technique wise he helped me a lot. Thursday evening we were speaking and whatever points he told me I put them to use today and it helped me,” Ghatkar, a former Asian champion, said after the medal ceremony.

Ghatkar, who lost her father at a very young age, shot 228.8 in the final to finish third on the podium at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range.

Ghatkar, who had missed out on a Rio Olympic Games quota place by a whisker last year, said she was looking ahead having buried that chapter.

“Of course everyone wants a better medal,” she said, adding, “I am quite happy but not that much. Actually, my blinder got torn or fell and I had to close my eyes and shoot through the final that was a little bit difficult for me. I guess after 15^th or 16^th shot it happened. Thank God I was able to do something because there was no time,” she said about a technical glitch which she overcame in a composed manner.

The blinder of her gun fell and she had to shoot her final few shots, including the 19^th and 21^st when she logged a high 10.8 and 10.7, with one eye closed.

Ghatkar suffered a heartbreak when she narrowly missed the bus to Rio, and said she has been eyeing this event since its announcement.

“I really dreamt of getting a medal in Delhi World Cup when it was announced last year.”

Narang, who was by her side as she walked out the range following the medal ceremony, was a happy man. In a lighter vein, he said Ghatkar almost “blackmailed” him into coaching her some months ago.