Gagan Narang aims for Olympic medal

New Delhi, May 19 (UNI) Gagan Narang, the first Indian shooter to qualify for the Beijing Olympics, today said that his aim is to win a medal in 2008 Olympiad.

After Gagan, two more Indians -- Anjali Bhagwat and Manavjit Sandhu -- have qualified for the 2008 Olympics.

''My win in World Cup in China, which made me the first Indian shooter to book a berth for the next Olympic Games has boosted my level of confidence,'' Gagan told mediapersons here.

The 22-year old shooter promised better showing in the coming International events but said, ''My aim and target is Olympic Medal.'' Gagan, who is to leave for Germany tomorrow to take part in the World Cup, said wins in Melbourne Commonwealth Games helped him to do well in World Cup in China and now ''I have qualified for the Olympics, I have enough time to prepare for the Mega event with utmost concentration and dedication.'' The ace marksman won four golds in Melbourne Commonwealth games followed by win in the World Cup at China which proplled him to World number one rank in his 10-meter air rifle event.

Gagan who is here in connection with the launch of his book 'A Commonwealth Journey -- From Melbourne to New Delhi' said that after World Cup in Germany he would take part in World Championship to be held in Crotia in July.

''World Cup and Championshps are very tough competition, even tougher than Olympics because shooters from over 100 countries take part in them,'' he said and added that he started shooting as a hobby which turned into his passion and now has become his profession.

He was confident that a successful career lies ahead of him since age is on his side.

''There is no particular age limit for a shooter, Rajyavardhan Rathore who is in his mid-thirties is performing very well.'' Gagan said he is learning to handle pressure. ''This is very important aspect because at the very high level, the competition though is very tough, the level of performers are almost the same but the mental toughness makes all the difference.'' UNI HSB DH HS1811