ISSF World Cup | I was not thinking about the world record, just wanted to give my best, explains Saurabh Chaudhary

ISSF World Cup | I was not thinking about the world record, just wanted to give my best, explains Saurabh Chaudhary

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After bagging a World Cup gold medal with a world record and an Olympic quota as well, Saurabh Choudhary has mentioned that he was never thinking about the world record nor about the Olympic quota and was just focused to give his best. He finished on a record score of 245 securing an Olympic berth.

Chaudhary, who also holds the junior world record, smashed the senior record on his way to the men’s 10m air pistol gold at the ISSF World Cup. He is of the opinion that he never thought about the cup or the records or even the Olympic quota but he wanted to give his best which eventually got him to all three landmarks.

“I was not thinking about the world record. If I had thought about making a record then it would not have been possible, neither was I thinking about the Olympic quota, I just wanted to give my best,” the 16-year-old said after the win as quoted by Scroll.

Chaudhary's every shot was greeted by ecstatic cheers from the crowd. He also mentioned that it was special for him winning at home. He may have dominated the final event from the start as he finished 5.7 points ahead of the silver medallist but assessed that the field was tough enough

“To win a medal in front of the home crowd, in my first senior World Cup was superb. The crowd was similar to the Asian Games,” the teenager said.

“This being my first senior final, I felt the pressure in the morning. The competition was hard. I was aware of my lead but didn’t let it get to my head. I was not thinking about the quota, just wanted to give my best."

Meanwhile, Manu Bhaker faced disappointment as she finished fifth in the 25m pistol event and was shattered in bits and pieces after the defeat. Asked if the injury to her left arm caused her problems, Bhaker insisted that she was fully fit.

“I tried my best. I don’t know what happened, the support was great. There was no pressure as just happy India is hosting the World Cup.” said Bhaker.

“l had some problems with my left arm till February 21 but now it’s fine. That is not the reason for my bad performance today. I do not know about the mistakes I committed right now. My monitor was on the other side so I couldn’t see it properly. My performance in 25m throughout last year has been 4th, 5th or 6th position. I don’t know what’s wrong. I am focussing on 10m now,” she concluded, speaking of her pet event."

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