The proud father of 2014 Commonwealth Games silver medallist Prakash Nanjappa described the shooter’s victory as an ‘important event’ in his career, given that the marksman had to change his weapon at the last minute.
The 38-year-old Bangalorean made it to the podium in the 10m air pistol event in Glasgow, Scotland in the United Kingdom on Saturday despite being forced to replace his weapon after frequently encountering problems with his old gun.
"To use a new weapon (Morini pistol) at such a big competition was a calculated risk, which clearly paid off. This is truly an important event in his career," his father P.N. Papanna told The Hindu after the result was out.
Nanjappa will now look to carry his form into other important competitions ahead. "The World Cup, Asian Games and the World Championships are coming up. Once he returns to India, we will focus on these events," Mr. Papanna added.
Bigger challengeMeanwhile, Nanjappa is facing a bigger obstacle, having been diagnosed with Bell's Palsy last year.
This medical condition has left the right side of his face paralysed.
His father said that Nanjappa is on the path to recovery. "He is about 90 per cent cured, but the 10 per cent is still bothering him. To win a silver despite the illness is special," Mr. Papanna, who is also his coach, said.
