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Heena Sidhu expects Indian shooters to do better than 2014 Asian Games

Heena Sidhu has some extra motivation for putting up her best performance in the 2018 Asian Games as she has been picked only for 10m air pistol event.

Updated on: Jul 28, 2018, 23:10:48 IST
Hindustan Times, Mumbai | By
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Pistol shooter Heena Sidhu has some unfinished business at the Asian Games. Heena, who is getting ready for her third trip to the continental event, has won a silver and bronze there but both have come in team competitions. She got a silver in 10m air pistol team at Guangzhou, 2010, and bronze in 25m pistol team at Incheon, 2014.

Heena Sidhu has two medals at previous Asian games, both coming in team events. (PTI)
Heena Sidhu has two medals at previous Asian games, both coming in team events. (PTI)

She has a good chance and extra motivation of setting the record straight at this edition in Jakarta as she has been picked only for the 10m air pistol event.

Heena had earlier accused the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) selectors of tweaking rules to favour one individual.

On Saturday, the 28-year-old refused to talk about the selection controversy but said she was confident of a good performance.

“Yes, this is another opportunity to do that (win a gold medal in Asian Games), to improve medals, to improve my performance. I have won only two medals in Asian Games and hopefully, I will improve my performance this time, maybe even get gold. But the thing is that even athletes cannot guarantee a medal. You can only go there and perform. Our job is to give our best and that is what I plan to do,” Heena said on the sidelines of an event by the Indian Olympic Association and Edelweiss to extend best wishes to members of the Indian contingent for the Asian Games.

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Heena, who won a gold and silver at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, is confident of Indian shooters putting up a better performance than four years ago in Incheon when Jitu Rai bagged the lone gold for India.

“I think India will improve its medals tally in shooting this time. I have seen the performance of the Indian team and I have trained with these people. I know where things went wrong the last time and how we have come from there. I think everybody has improved,” said Heena, who is also preparing for the Word Championship, which will be held immediately after the Asian Games.

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