Sodhi predicts rich haul of medals in WC Shooting finals

Jaipur: With an unprecedented seven shooters taking part in the prestigious World Cup Shooting Finals in

Beijing from October 25, ace marksman Ronjan Sodhi believes the country can return with rich haul of medals. The seven Indians who made it to Beijing include trap shooter Manavjeet Singh Sandhu, Gagan Narang and Tejaswwani Sawant in air pistol, Vijay Kumar in pistol and Lajja Goswami in 50 meter rifle event, besides Sodhi in double trap. Top eight shooters qualify for the World Cup Finals on the basis of the four World Cups held earlier. "This is for the first time that Indians in such a big number have qualified for the prestigious event, the grand finale of the series of World Cups, though the countries like China have done that before," Sodhi said. "Indian shooting is on an all time high and we are looking forward to rich haul of medals from Beijing. We have been performing well in the last calendar year. We have bagged six gold at international level. "As for my event, I will face stiff challenge from Olympic champion Eller Walton of United States and another American Joshua Richmond. Chinese Hu Bin Yuan who equalled the world record recently would also be tough. But I am confident as I have been consistent recently," said Sodhi, who won individual and team gold in the Almaty World Cup event. Sodhi credits the rise of Indian shooting to the concerted efforts of the government and National Rifles Association of India. "All this is happening because of the joint efforts of the Government and the NRAI. There is no shortage of money, equipment or ammunition. We are being provided with all facilities and these things were unheard of before. Now the onus is on us to deliver," said Sodhi, who has been training at the Jagatpura Range here. He also predicts that Indians can sweep shooting medals in the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi. "I foresee Indian whitewash in Delhi CWG 2010. We are better placed than countries like Australia and England. In fact while we are enjoying all facilities and the shooters are struggling there. Because of their poor performance at the Olympics they are short of sponsors," Sodhi said. Asked about the pressure of expectations while playing at home in the Commonwealth Games, he said, "I think we are well prepared to handle the pressure. The better training and the results have made us confident. Moreover as professionals we need to tackle pressure." Sodhi praised Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, saying his silver in the 2004 Athens Olympics was the turning point of Indian shooting. "His (Rathore`) Olympic silver in Athens transformed the Indian scenario. Now Indian shooting is on a all time high. The efforts of the government and the NRAI are trickling down to lower level and and bright future awaits us. This is due to Rajyavardhan," he said. Bureau Report