Ronjan Sodhi, who has been in good form of late, says that Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is a deserving candidate for a place to London Olympics and is of the opinion that his experience will not only prove be good for the team but he a trap shooter will benefit for the 2004 Olympic silver medalist’s experience. Ronjan talks to Gaurav Jha of Indian Sports News about his Olympic preparation, upsurge in shooting as sports in India and more. EXCERPTS:
ISN: As much as 11 shooters have got the quota places for the London Olympics. What do you think is the reason behind it?
Sodhi: The credit should go to the government. Lots of money has been invested in this sport recently. The government has put everything to improve the stature of this sport. Another main reason was the Commonwealth Games. The shooting team performed really well in the Games and gained a lot of confidence which helped us to get the quota place. I would say the Commonwealth Games were a blessing in disguise for us.
ISN: Everyone is banking on you to win the medal, is it adding pressure on you?
Sodhi: For me it’s more responsibility than pressure. It makes me feel that I am more responsible toward my country. When people believe in me and my ability than it’s my duty to give people what they want.
ISN: There is a provision that the players can be changed in the given quota place, so do you think that Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore will get the opportunity?
Sodhi: I am aware of one quota place which is vacant right now which can be given to any of the athlete. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore is truly a deserving candidate. He has won an Olympic silver medal and every medal that a player can win; it will be good if he will go with me to the Olympics. I would also benefit from his experience.
ISN: Indian shooters have come good in Athens and Beijing Olympics. What are your expectations in the London Olympics?
Sodhi: 2-3 golds I guess! On a serious note we are definitely looking for 2-3 medals in London.
ISN: Who can come as a surprise from the players who have the quota place?
Sodhi: Everyone. All the 11 shooters who have got the quota place are good enough to win a medal as everyone has one a big medal in some or the other tournament. No one has qualified by coming sixth or seventh in the tournament everyone has won a medal on their own.
ISN: How do you think shooting is growing as a sport?
Sodhi: It’s really growing. You can see many youngsters playing with us. Previously 23-30 shooters participated in the game but now as you can see there are around 100 shooters participating in the championship. The primary reason of the sport evolving is because the shooters are doing well all over the world and it encourages young people to join.
