Shooting – The Hindu

The best: Ojasvi and Arjun after their victory.
| Photo Credit: RITU RAJ KONWAR

Arjun Babuta has had enough of people of consoling him for narrowly missing the 10m air rifle bronze at last year’s Paris Olympics. Of course, it has been painful but he wants to quickly close that sad chapter in his life.

“Whenever somebody meets me, they used to just pity me, they felt sorry. I understand their point of view but for me, I don’t want to hear anything like that. I’m trying to move on from there,” the 26-year-old told The Hindu during the 38th National Games shooting competition here on Saturday. “Definitely, there is anger but I really tried my best so I’m proud of myself.”

The Punjab youngster had a disappointing start to the Games here, finishing fourth in the men’s 10m air rifle final but he was back to winning ways in the 10m air rifle mixed team event at the Trishul Range here on Saturday, claiming the gold with Ojasvi Thakur with a 16-12 victory over Maharashtra’s Arya Borse and Rudrankksh Patil, who took the silver. The Punjab pair’s final shot score was 21.4 against Maharashtra’s 21.0.

West Bengal’s Ismita Bhowal and Abhinav Shah took the bronze beating Gujarat’s Elavenil Valarivan and Murtaza Vania Mohammed 17-11.

“It was nice (winning gold), but honestly I was not here for the medal. I’m actually trying a few things for this year so just seeing how they work. It takes some time,” said Arjun who was fourth in the Paris Olympics.

“The planning and all are related to mental aspects only because they give me confidence, they help a lot of things. And I can perform in extreme pressure as well. That is the main goal.

“Today, I will enjoy this victory and tomorrow onwards I have to prepare for the trials (for this year’s majors) which come a week later.”