It is all in the mind for Gagan Narang

NEW DELHI - It takes a lot to shoot a perfect 600 in 10 metres air rifle. Only three shooters have done it and among them World No.3 Gagan Narang did it for the second time Wednesday and that too, to defeat Olympic champion Abhinav Bindra in the Commonwealth Games. But it may still take a while for him to become the pin-up boy of Indian shooting.

Even though their names are taken in the same breath, Gagan has always remained in the shadow of the Olympic champion, but after defeating Bindra in the 10-metre air rifle event here at the Karni Singh Shooting Range things might change.

Gagan, a double world record holder, remains modest and says that he still has a lot of learn from Bindra, who is India’s only individual Olympic gold medallist.

“When I was trying to get into shooting, I have heard a lot about Bindra who was already there. There is a lot to learn from each other. It’s always nice to compete with him,” said Gagan, who was utterly disappointed after being rejected for the coveted Khel Ratna for the third time, couple of months ago.

Just before the Games, a dejected Gagan had even considered pulling out of the Games as he was frustrated missing out on Khel Ratna.

The 27-year-old Hyderabadi, however, changed his mind and wanted his gun to do all the talking.

“I don’t talk about my inner feelings and my satisfaction. I have, and will always let my gun do the talking, he said.

For Gagan, it is all in the mind. After winning the pairs gold Tuesday with a score of 598, he said the world record-equalling 600 in 2008 at the Bangkok World Cup finals was always in his mind.

On Wednesday he achieved it again.

It feels special to shoot a 600, but it is a score, you cant shoot every day, Gagan told IANS.

He took a while to shoot his first score during the qualifying. By the time he took his first shot, others had already taken their fifth.

Asked if he had some problems taking his first shot, Gagan said: It is all in my mind and this is a regular thing with me. I dont feel like shooting until and unless I feel confident. I think it worked exceptionally for me.