Hyderabad, Aug. 11: World record holder Gagan Narang laid speculation about his participation in the upcoming Commonwealth Games to rest by confirming that he would turn up for the shooting selection trials scheduled early next month. “I will be attending the September 3 trials at New Delhi for the Commonwealth Games,” Gagan said as he arrived in Hyderabad on Wednesday.
Media reports had suggested that the ace shooter, peeved at being overlooked for the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award this year, would opt out of CWG.
On Wednesday he was visibly on a high, especially after hordes of trainees from the Andhra Pradesh Sports School thronged the airport and jostled to shake his hand for winning the bronze medal in the 10m air rifle event at the recent World Championship in Munich, Germany. “I’m hopeful of winning more medals,” an elated Gagan said.
However, replying to a pointed question, the 27-year-old did not attempt to hide his displeasure at not being picked for the highest sports award in the country. “To be honest, I was disappointed after I was not considered for the Khel Ratna for the third successive year. I had applied for the award but I would be happy to know what exactly is happening at the (awards committee) meeting,” he said.
Gagan revealed news about him not being chosen for the Ratna trickling in just before the finals of the Munich Worlds was demoralising though. “It was a very difficult situation. Thanks to my coaches, who motivated me to shoot," he said. The silver lining? “That I could shoot a bronze under the circumstances gives me a nice feeling now.”
Gagan also clarified that he bears no grudge against Saina Nehwal, who has been awarded the Khel Ratna this year. In fact, “I am very happy for her,” he said of his citymate.