Saurabh aims to get back into national squad

On a day when he shot the national record in 10m air pistol, shooter Saurabh Chaudhary said his only aim was to secure a place in the national squad in order to return to the mainstream and compete in major international competitions. Saurabh, once touted as an Olympics medal prospect, faded into oblivion following his disappointment in the Tokyo Olympics. But after battling a shoulder injury and a dip in form, he shot a national record score of 591 in the qualification round of the National Championship.

In the process, Saurabh, who was paired with Manu Bhaker in the 10m mixed team event at Tokyo, eclipsed his own record of 589 set at Osjek, Croatia, in 2021.

“Though the 10m air pistol final will be played on January 5, I am quite hopeful that I will make a comeback in the national squad after more than two years,” said Saurabh.

The world record in men’s air pistol stands at 594, shot by Jin Jongoh of South Korea.

Saurabh revealed he battled a shoulder injury in the period after the Tokyo Olympics. “I had a shoulder injury but I overcame it by changing my posture,” he said.