SHOOTING | All the hard work is paying off, says Rudrankksh as he gears for the Asiad

Going for his second Asian Games, 22-year-old Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil is a far cry from the teenager who took to the firing station in Hangzhou. It’s been only three years but the period since then has seen the shy, nerdy and overthinking kid grow into a more assured, relaxed and quietly confident person.

“Excitement,” he declared when asked what was the predominant feeling. The Indian pistol and rifle shooters have gathered here for a short preparatory camp starting Sunday before leaving on the 14th for Nagoya.

Rudrankksh, the only Indian male shooter who will participate in two events, is not bothered with the responsibility, challenge or expectations of managing both.

The 10m air rifle and the 50m 3 Position are completely different and come with their own set of challenges. Rudrankksh, though, insists it isn’t impossible.