Olympic silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore has set his sights on three coveted titles this year so as to keep his place among the world's best in double trap shooting.
"I have chosen to focus my strengths on key competitions this year like the Commonwealth Shooting Federation Championships on right now, the World Shotgun Championships at Lonato, Italy in May and the World Cup Shooting final in Dubai in November," Rathore said in Melbourne, on Sunday.
|
"I came to Australia much earlier so that I get ample time to train, get used to conditions here and be around to watch Narain [Karthikeyan] race as well. I am quite at home now and am eagerly awaiting my event on March 17," he said.
The ace marksman said he will continue shooting with his old gun in Melbourne.
"I will be shooting with my old gun with which I am very comfortable and will use the new gun later."
Rathore said he is putting himself through some rigorous training to hit the mark.
"I am following a very rigorous schedule to give my best and have a great team to guide me. I am doing a 12-day training sessions with my coach Mark Russell, former world champion and Olympic gold medallist, and am working to be in peak condition with my fitness trainer Chris Hynes.
"To enhance my mental and psychological concentration for the season ahead, I am working with Peter Terry, a sports psychologist, who has been an advisor to the British shooting team for the last eight years," he said.
The Leiutenant Colonel, who reached here early to catch Karthikeyan in action, also recalled the thrilling experience when he saw the Jordan-Toyota driver in action at the Albert Park Formula One circuit last week.
"Grand Prix with all the roaring Formula One engines was a great experience and I felt really proud to see Narain racing on the tracks," he said.
More from rediff