How will you evaluate your performances this yearIJ
I had participated in two competitions this year. Because of rule changes and chances in my training regimen and everything, I have not got satisfactory results. In the first World Cup this year, I finished tied ninth. I scored 137 points. In the second tournament, because of the rule changes, I could only score 122. Because we had a rule change in double trap, there are a lot of trials that are going on. I just focusing on getting used to the new rules rather than think about my scores. Right now, I am totally focused on the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games to be held next year.
Your name has been proposed for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award this year as well. What do you think of your chances of bagging it this yearIJ
Very weak. I think I should not get it this year because when I deserved it, I did not get it. This is the fourth time in a row that my name has gone. When I had won 5-6 medals in a year, even then I did not get the award. Even when I deserved it, the award went to someone else. People who do not even deserve an award, are on the list of candidates for this year's award. I am not even bothered about an award now.
What about your future plansIJ
There is the World Championships coming up in September. Then there is the Asian Championships in October. Next is very important because we will have both the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games and a lot of qualifying events for the 2016 Olympics to be held in Rio de Janeiro. It just trial and error with the new rule changes and everything and I think I will be ready to compete in the new format from next year. Next year with all the competitions for Olympic quotas, Asian Championships and everything, it will be a very crucial period and that is what counts the most. Right now, I am trying out a lot of things and trying to find out which will be most suited to me. That is what I am focusing on.
What attracted you to the sport of shootingIJ
I was always fond of the sport. I was always fond of guns right from my childhood. As a kid, I was fascinated by guns. So I thought that I should show it to the world how to put guns to better use (laughs). This is the best use we can put guns to rather than using them for any other thing.
Your message to junior shooters.
Always be positive. Work hard and be confident. If you believe in yourself and work hard, no one can stop you.