Trigger Happy: 7 Medals For Jitu Rai So Far In 2014
Trigger Happy: 7 Medals For Jitu Rai So Far In 2014
Ace Indian shooter Jitu Rai has just done the country proud again with a gold medal at the Asian Games along with the brozne as well. The Indian sportsman won gold at the Asian Games 50m pistol event, The Indian shooter needs support at this important stage in his career. Motivating our sportspersons through financial and career support is very vital.
The massive haul of medals the Indian shooter took on this year include the following:
1. Silver in the World Championships: 50m pistol event
2. World Cup Gold and Silver: 10m air pistol event and 50 m pistol event respectively
3. World Cup Siilver: 10m air pistol event
4. Gold at CWG: 50m pistol event
5. Asian Games Gold and Bronze: 50m pistol and 10m air pistol event respectively.
He is currently number 1 in the 10m air pistol across the world. He is also number 5 in the world rankings for the 50m pistol events. Firstpost has written about how Rai has been facing a lot of challenges recently and he needs a more supportive atmosphere so that he can excel at his game. The 27 year old player has a lot to give to the sport and it is through his mentors such as national coach Panel Smirnov and mentor Vijay Kumar that he has developed further in his skills, according to Mr. Rasquinha, an authority on sports and a supporter quoted in Firstpost.
Now Rai has another challenge coming up namely the Rio Olympics. Alhtough he has been bestowed a sum of 50 lakhs by the UP state government, what is needed at this time is a ready arsenal of mentors, resources and morale building to help the shooter to win for India.
Sport as a field in India is still evolving but there are a lot of areas where improvement is possible. Consider the problems faced due to inadquae support and infrastrcture. The problems faced by Indian athletes regarding clearance of their equipment is another issue which Sports Ministry officials should look into.
Winning a game involved a lot of hardwork, training and concentration. Without the right attitude and skills, sportspersons cannot hope to beat off the competition and shoot to the number one spot. With so many challenges already in place, lack of resources can be a major burden for the sports person to bear as well.
Getting to hit bull's eye required a talent many may not possess. Sharp shooters are a dime a dozen. Once in a while, a fresh talent hits the scene and brings about a revival for the country's fortunes. Jitu Rai has the skill and talent to remain number one. Now he needs the resources and the help he deserves as a reprensentative of India and Indian sports. One hopes the authorities will help him to remain the ace in his field, even as Indians feel pride at the achievements of yet another Indian sports star.
