Samresh, Abhinav Bindra clinch one gold each

Melbourne, Mar 14 (UNI) Shooters Samresh Jung and Abhinv Bindra gave a heart-warming performance for India as they won a gold each to end the four-day Badge shooting competition on a highly successful note here today Adding to India's medal tally on the concluding day were Gagan Narang (Silver) and Jaspal Rana (Bronze).

India ended the Badge competition with 15 medals -- five gold, seven silver and three bronze.

''This was a very good practice for the shooters,'' said a visibly happy chief coach Sunny Thomas.

In the 50m three position men's rifle event, Bindra fired 1154 to bag the gold while his team mate Gagan Narang shot 1150 to finish second for a silver.

In the 25m centre fire pistol event, Samresh Jung shot 580 for gold while Jaspal Rana finished third for a bronze with 577.

Thus, India's shooting team is in good standing for success at the Commonwealth Games after a satisfying warm-up competition.

''What makes me happy is that shooters are not taking it easy.

They are focused and know that the competition is going to be tough.

''If the boys shoot like this I am confident that we will go back home fully contended and satisfied after the Games,'' Thomas added.

He said the shooters will have an off day tomorrow and they will practice on March 16 before the start of the main competition on March 17.

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