It's official. Dr Heena Sidhu Pandit is the world record holder in the 10 m air/pistol. It was in the ISSF-World Cup Finals in November last year when she scored 384 in the preliminaries and a high tally of 203.8 in the final round. But, then it was considered provisional. Born in Ludhiana, Heena becomes the third Indian shooter after Anjali Bhagwat (2003) and Gagan Narang (2008) to win a gold medal in the rifle/pistol World Cup Finals.
Heena outgunned three top ranked shooters before reaching the pinnacle in the world championship. The three include Guo Wenjun (China), a two-time winner of Olympic gold medal Beijing (2008) and London (2012), the Serbian Arunova Zorana, a World champion and Olene Kosteyvech (Ukraine), a gold and bronze medalist at the Athens (2004) and London (20120 Olympics.
A Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Heena spoke to Joe Williams from Bhavgarh National Park in Madhya Pradesh about her feat and what's in store for her.
Excerpts:
What is it to be there on top of the world (world record)?
It's a great feeling and it has come as a wedding anniversary gift to us (me and Ronak; February 7). This is just the beginning and I have a long way to go. I am sure this recognition will boost my morale and give the best shot and bring laurels to the country.
What is so special about the record?
First, I am a proud Indian and I am sure several youngsters will pick up the rifle and pistol, as many international and Olympic medals have come from shooting. I have taken a break (15 days) and I will get down to business in my camp which is to be held in Pune from February 17 before I take a flight to Kuwait for the Asian Air Gun Championships, ISSF World Cup which is scheduled to be held in March.
Is there a pressure on the record holder when s/he sets off for any championship, because you too are a record holder?
Yes, it does, and one has to go through the dress rehearsal before the championship. I am sure with all the people around me, I will overcome the pressure aspect. One has to think positive and give the best as though it is the first championship and the rest will fall in line.
What is your next goal?
I have no goals, but I want to be a prefect shooter. I want to get back to practise and work out on perfection. Commonwealth Games, the Asian Games and the World Championships followed by the ISSF World Cup Finals are the competitions I will be taking part in.
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