I Don't Feel Any Pressure, Says In-Form Pistol Champ Suruchi

Every time Suruchi Phogat steps onto the range, expect her to do something special.

- Avishek Roy

NEW DELHI: Such has been the meteoric rise of Indian shooting's brightest star this season.

On Friday, Suruchi captured her third successive individual gold medal in air pistol at the ISSF World Cup in Munich, continuing a remarkable debut season on the senior international circuit. After impressing with gold in the first two World Cup legs in Buenos Aires and Peru, the recent win in a tough field in Munich showed her exceptional talent.

The 19-year-old has displayed a fearless approach, resolute mind, and hunger to win. Up against Olympic and World Championships medallists in Germany, she stayed calm and focused. After a solid start in the final, Suruchi slipped slightly but surged ahead in the finishing stages. If there were nerves, she didn't show any.

"I don't feel any pressure. I know people will have expectations but when I go into a tournament I just focus on my game," Suruchi told HT.

"It's a very good feeling to win gold in such a quality field. When you win against an Olympic medallist, it boosts your confidence.