We throw impromptu challenge at each other, Abhishek Verma on training with Saurabh Chaudhary

While Verma finished at the top with a score of 244.2 in the 8-man final, Chaudhary came third after scoring 221.9. With them already sealing their Olympics spot in previous events, India had no position left to fill but their dominance on the shooting range, nonetheless, on Thursday showed how brilliant the duo has been this year.

Verma has won gold medals in the second (Beijing) and fourth (Rio) editions, while Chaudhary clinched the yellow metal in the first (Delhi) and third (Munich) stages. And Verma revealed the secret that has kept them sharp and on the edge.

“During our practice sessions, we throw impromptu challenges by giving a certain target to each other. Like I ask him to shoot a 10.8, he also gives me some target. This makes our training interesting and we also improve in handling the pressure better,” he said, reported TOI.

Not only training, but the duo has been sharing the same room and they eat together as well. “It feels good to win World Cup medals with Saurabh. I think we learn a lot from each other’s experiences. It is helping both of us on the big stage,” said the lawyer turned shooter.

Verma also stated that in terms of temperament and curiosity, they have similar traits that have been helping them a lot. “Temperament wise, we both are similar. He doesn’t speak much and I am also not very social. Since we stay in the same room during the camps, we start our day early and train together.

“Saurabh hit a few low shots during the final [in Rio] and before the podium ceremony, we were discussing it. This helps us stay focused,” Verma added.