Ankush Claims First Gold For India In Shooting

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-Staff

By Staff

Tuesday, October 14, 2008, 11:37

Pune Oct 13 : Hosts India opened their medals tally with Ankush Bharadwaj capturing the first gold of the Games by winning the 50 meters Pistol event for men aggregating a tally of 509 points, on the second day today of the third edition of the Commonwealth Youth Games (CYG) in progress at the Shiv Chhatarapati Sports City, Balewadi here.

It was indeed an irony that only two competitors figured in the event with Middleton Murray of Falkland Island despite scoring 26 points being declared as 'did not finish'.

Later talking to mediapersons, 18-year-old Haryana lad Ankush said he was far from satisfied with his performance today. "I should have done much better despite having no pressure at all." Ankush mustered a tally of 536 points in the Guwahati national shooting championship. The lad, however did not hide his unsatisfactory performace but said it gives him the pleasure of winning the first gold for India to open the medal tally.

Ankush trains under coach Subash Chandra who said,"he could have brought a much better tally as he faced no competition." On the other hand, 15 year old Murray Middleton said he was never in contention for any medal but has come to India to gain much needed competition experience.

"I treat the Pune visit merely for experience having set my sights for the 2010 Commonwealth Games to be held in Delhi," the shy teenager said.

With only two competitors in the fray, only one medal was at stake as per the rules.

Aquilah Sudhir gave Singapore its first gold, finishing top in the women's 10 meters Air Rifle event posting a tally of 102.0 points.

In a keen competition, the silver was bagged by Monica Fyfe of Canada recording 102.1 points to her credit and Nur Ayuni of Malaysia had to rest content with the bronze with a tally of 100.2.

"Since it is my first international, I am happy with my performance," said Aquilah.

Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF) president Michael Fennel presented the medals to the winners at the ultra-modern shooting range.

Following are the results : Finals Men: 50M Pistol: Ankush Bharadwaj (India) 509 pts (Gold) Muray Middleton (Falklands Islands) 236 (DNF) Women: Aquilah Sudhir (Singaore) 103 pts (Gold) Monoca Fyfe (Canada) 102.1 pts (Silver) Nur Ayuni (Malaysia) 100.2 pts (Bronze) UNI IS/GS AB DS1507