Palembang, August 20: Deepak Kumar and Lakshay Sheoran, shooters with contrasting career paths, made major breakthroughs Monday by winning a silver medal in the men’s 10m air rifle and men’s trap events, respectively at the Asian Games here.
The 33-year-old Deepak did not mind the long wait for a major medal, 14 years after he picked up the sport. Lakshay, on the other hand, picked up the gun only four years ago as a teenager and at 20, is now a silver medallist at Asiad, equalling the feat achieved by former World Champion Manavjit Singh Sandhu, who finished fourth here, at the 2006 Doha edition.
With his father Somvir being a former national champion wrestler, it was no surprise that Lakshay rushed to touch Sandhu’s feet right after the competition was over.
The trap final was won by Chinese Taipei’s Kunpi Yang, who shot a sensational 48 to equal the world record. Lakshay shot 43 while South Korean Daemyeong Ahn took the bronze with 30.
“Since childhood I liked guns and rifles. But when I decided to pursue shooting seriously, my father was not very sure about it. I am sure he is proud of me now,” said the shooter from Jeend in Haryana.
Another silver came India’s way with Deepak producing a late surge to steal a silver in the 10m rifle event. It was the biggest result of his career but the 30-year-old, having spent the better part of his life at Gurukul in Dehradun, kept his emotions in check.
China’s Yang Haoran won the gold with an aggregate of 249.1 points. Deepak, who was not in the race for a medal until the 18th shot when he shot a 10.9, scored 247.7, pushing Taipei’s Lu Shaochuan to third with 226.8 in the 24-shot final.
True sportsman is someone who does not conserve his knowledge, he is one who shares it with all. Just like a teacher
Deepak Kumar