Indian marksman Gagan Narang nailed a perfect 600/600 to become only the third shooter to equal the world record and claim the title at the World Cup finals in Bangkok
NEW DELHI: Shrugging off the Beijing Olympics disappointment, ace Indian marksman Gagan Narang nailed a perfect 600/600 to become only the third shooter to equal the world record and claim the title at the World Cup finals in Bangkok, Thailand on Wednesday.
After Gagan fired the impeccable score in the qualification round, he was in the lead all through the 10-shot final. His first shot was a perfect 10.9 while others could shoot only into the ninth ring.
Gagan kept his cool to continue his almost two-point lead and shot 10.3 to finish on top.
Sidi Peter of Hungary, Athens Olympics gold and Beijing Olympics silver medallist Zhu Quinan from China and fourth-placed Henry Hakkinen of Finland were just a point adrift of Gagan at 599.
Gagan said his win was special because Barack Obama, who won the United States' Presidential election on Wednesday, was his source of inspiration.
"It's indeed a sweet victory after a heart break in Beijing. After the Beijing disappointment. I have become more focused, dedicated and hungry for world title and this victory is special as (Barack) Obama won in USA after all hard work and I drew inspiration from his accomplishment," the Hyderabad marksman said.
Gagan, who missed an Olympic medal by a whisker in Beijing, dedicated the medal to national coach Sunny Thomas.
"I want to thank and dedicate this gold medal to my coach Prof. Sunny Thomas and Laszlo Scuzak and National Rifles Association of India and the government for believing in me and supporting me all through," he said.
"I also want to thank Geet Sethi's Olympic gold quest foundation," he added.
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