Shooter Manavjit hits the bulls-eye

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Rohit Khilnani

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New Delhi: Indian shooting has never had it so good. Despite the lack of Government support, Indian shooters have been hitting the bulls-eye.

The ongoing world championships in Croatia has seen three Indians being crowned world champions.

The latest champion - India's first world champion in trap shooting - to receive a warm welcome at the Delhi airport on Tuesday was Manavjit Singh Sandhu.

His family was there to cheer him on and the top gun was all smiles for he went from a shootoff to winning the gold - a truly nerve wracking experience.

"The top ten shooters of the world all shoot amazingly technically speaking. But there is also the matter of how well one handles the pressure. I feel that my consistent performances have given me the edge in terms of confidence. And when you are on that station and you are alone and you gotta shoot, confidence is a big thing. You just have to believe in yourself," says Manavjit.

The 29-year-old shooter from Punjab has had a fantasctic season.

His shooting has been outstanding, the concentration levels have been just perfect and the results are there for all to see.

A bronze in the Commonwealth games, then a silver and then the Olympic Quota Place in the Shotgun World Cup in America - Manavjit has been on a roll.

The Asian games are next on the agenda but the main target is the 2008 Olympics.

"My coach and I are discussing ways in which I can be in the best of shape for the Olympic games. This is a very valuable addition to that because winning at this level is a great experience. It's a great morale booster and it will help me in the Olympics for sure," says he.

It's all about consistency. Manavjit has been in the final of every international competition this year. He's been out there with the best in the business and if he can replicate this form two years down the line then there is every chance of him being on that coveted podium at the Beijing Olympics.