A 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, scripted history on the Asian stage on Tuesday when he defeated series of multiple World and Olympic champions in the category of 10m air pistol finals at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
A 16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary, scripted history on the Asian stage on Tuesday when he defeated series of multiple World and Olympic champions in the category of 10m air pistol finals at the Asian Games in Jakarta.
He showed maturity and calmness well beyond his age to snatch the lead from 2010 World Champion Tomoyuki Matsuda on the penultimate shot in the 24-shot final.
The Japanese veteran, Matsuda, misfired on the 23rd shot, an 8.9, to settle for silver. He scored 239.7, while India’s new shooting sensation, Saurabh set a Games record with his sensational effort. His last two shots were a 10.2 and 10.4 gave him the decisive lead. The Japanese's last two shots were an 8.9 and 10.3.
It was Saurabh’s maiden appearance for the senior-level category in an international tournament and he ended up becoming only the fifth Indian shooter to clinch a gold medal at the Asian Games. Along with him, there was another Indian shooter on the podium, Abhishek Verma and that was a historic moment for India because it was the very first instance when the shooting podium had two Indians at the Asian Games.
Who is Saurabh Chaudhary?
Saurabh is a Grade 11 student and son of a farmer based in Kalina Village in Meerut.
When did he begin shooting professionally?
Saurabh took up professional shooting reportedly just three years back. He apparently has learned the tricks of the trade at Amit Sheoran's academy at Benoli near Baghpat, 53 kilometers from Meerut. And, whenever he is home, he helps his father in the farming business.
Who is Saurabh’s coach?
Jaspal Rana, Indian shooter who won a gold medal multiple times at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games.
What are Saurabh’s recent achievements?
In December last year, Saurabh qualified for the Youth Olympics Games with a gold medal and a junior world record at Asia Youth Olympics Games qualification. He had shot 243.1 in the final then. Following that, Saurabh marked his territory even at the Junior World Cup in Germany with a gold medal.
What is Saurabh's next aim post-2018 Asian Games?
Saurabh is expected to participate at the World Championships following the end of the 2018 Asiad.
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