Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore feels India's hopes are bright at the Rio Olympics

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore during the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Melbourne

Former Indian shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore feels that shooters from the country have raised the bar of the sport in recent times. He is expecting a medal from Indian shooters in the upcoming Rio Olympics and he is also quite confident about the Indian contingent doing well in other disciplines as well. Rathod won the Silver medal at the 2004 Olympics, Athens in Men’s Double Trap category. The Jaisalmer- born retired Lieutenant-Colonel belongs to a Rajput family based in Bikaner. In 2004, he became the first individual Olympic silver medal winner since 1900, when Norman Pritchard won two silver medals.

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As quoted by The Hindu Rathore said. “Indian shooting is in a good position. But, I have not followed the individual shooters to know who is good and who is not! One thing I am pretty sure is that Indian shooting has raised the bar within India. Given the successes in the last three Olympics, there should be a medal this time as well. The same principle is also valid for disciplines like boxing and wrestling to a large extent. The success in some sports helps others grow as well. Self-belief has increased. There is now a positive feeling in badminton.”

The Olympian said that in India’s high statured environment, every athlete is confident enough to excel in their respective fields. This leads to heightened expectations and creates an environment to perform well at mega events. “In the heightened stature of Indian environment, there is confidence in each person who represents the country. It raises the standard of whatever you do. We are not a sporting nation as yet. The world will look out for India. This generates a sense of heightened expectation, and it is a perfect environment for any athlete to perform” said the former shooter.

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Rathore admitted that pressure is very important for performing well and feels the key to success is channelising the aggression, frustrations, obstacles, hardships, enthusiasm and excitement of the big stage. So far India has won a bronze, two silvers and a gold medal in shooting events at the Olympics. He said that those performances can’t be carried forward in the future, but the experience is the aspect which should be carried forward.

The Rio Olympics begins on 5 August 2016. with India sending its largest ever contingent at the Games ever.

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Edited by Staff Editor