Jitu Rai eyeing Asiad medal, Olympic quota

NEW DELHI: For Jitu Rai, Glasgow Commonwealth Games gold medalist and world No.1 in 10m air pistol, back-to-back medals in the World Cup early this year was the turning point of his career.
"I had some good performances in 2013 and maintained my ranking but did not get the recognition. I would reach the final sometimes and other times fail to make the podium.
This year, I used my experience and when I won back-to-back medals in the World Cup everyone started to recognize me," Jitu told TOI here on Wednesday.
"Nobody knew me before that and not many believed in me. After the World Cup people started to have faith in me to some extent but when I won the gold with a record score in Glasgow, things changed," the 27-year-old Army marksman, who is supported by Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), said.
Next up for Rai is the World Championship in Granada starting September 6.
"For me winning a quota place for the Olympics is more important than winning a medal in the World Championship," he said. "I am a medal contender for the Asian Games and I'm confident I can win a medal in Incheon. CWG gold medalist in women's 10m air rifle, Apurvi Chandela has also set her sight on the Incheon Asian Games next month but is wary of the challenge from Chinese shooters.
"After the Commonwealth Games, I am pushing myself a bit harder. I have good technique, just need to focus more on meditation and physique," the shooter said.