The Deodoro Shooting stadium is a mirage of sorts, from the outside it looks like a frail temporary Army structure, but the plethora of world class athletes training inside all at the same time makes for some riveting viewing. Hours prior to his final attempt at a medal in Rio, Jitu Rai was practicing at the 50m range without a soul in sight.
I happened to walk in at that fortunate time as the Army marksman was practicing without the presence of his coach. Smirnov Pavel is a strict disciplinarian who detests the sight of media interaction, prior to major events. During an interaction with him before Rio, he said,”I’ve been working with Jitu for a while now, and I can tell you he has the potential and temeperament to be the best of all time. All he needs is a little more experience under his belt, you can’t hope for an overnight superstar can you?”
Shooting close to a perfect score in practice, Jitu non chalantly walked over to me introducing himself. He said, “Aap India se ho? (Are you from India), kaha se aaye ho India mein? (Where have you come from in India)” This was a world number three, who had no business in talking to me, leave alone even entertaining me. However, this is the kind of patriotism that Indian Army training inculcates, to care for every Indian at all times.
No pressure on me, will be giving my 100 %: Jitu
“I have no pressure on me, it doesn’t matter whether I’m world number 3 or world number 1, it really doesn’t matter or all that matters is who can perform on that day and at that time. For me I know I gave my best in the 10m air pistol, but as I said even those one or two shots can prove to be a match breaker at this level. I know India has a lot of expectation from me and all I can say is that it’s gold or nothing for me in tomorrow’s event. I will not let my country down.”
The 25-year old finished eighth in the 10m air pistol event on the very first day of the Olympics. He said, “I don’t dwell in the past, yes I do analyse what the problem is, but I like to think for the future and now my upcoming event. I have had some good distraction training, which has helped me become better. in the past two three days, and coach sir has also explained to me how I could rectify my technical clinches from the first event.”
Jitu finished eighth in the 10m air pistol event on the very first day of the Olympics, after emphatically qualifying for the finals. He said, “I don’t dwell in the past, yes I do analyse what the problem is, but I like to think for the future. I will be attending several events later this year as well, so even that is my target as well. For me the Olympics is just another event.”
He is scheduled to participate in the 50m air Pistol qualification on August 10 at 17:30 P.M IST.
