Disappointment for India as Ronjan Sodhi crashes out

The much anticipated Double Trap event was held today at the Royal Artillery Barracks at the London Olympic Games. Ronjan Sodhi was representing India and there were high hopes that he would bring in another medal for the country, following the exploits of Gagan Narang. Also, at the same time, Vijay Kumar was taking part in the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol as well. Both had tough competition in their respective events but Sodhi has been in top form while Vijay was also seen as a bright prospect.

In the double trap event, there are 3 rounds of 25 shots each, with each shot having 2 targets. Once the shooter gives the order, the 2 targets are released with a gap of 0 to 1 seconds and points will be awarded based on the number of targets hit. Out of the 24 shooters in the event, only the top 6 would qualify for the finals. In the Men’s 25m Rapid Fire Pistol, there would be 2 stages in the qualifying round. In both stages, there would be 2 series of 5 shots each fired in 8 seconds, 6 seconds and 4 seconds. After both stages are completed, the top 6 shooters qualify for the finals.

Ronjan Sodhi was up first in the double trap event and he started very well in round 1. He seemed to be in his elements as he kept hitting the targets relentlessly, missing only 2 and finishing with a score of 48/50 at the end of the round. This put him in joint 1st place with 3 other shooters. But then in the subsequent 2 rounds, he completely fell apart and lost his concentration. In the second round, he could only muster 44/50 and he was even worse in the 3rd round with only 42 out of a possible 50. It was a bitter disappointment that Sodhi could not do much better as India lost out another medal opportunity because of a lack of composure on the part of the athlete.

Vijay Kumar did well in the first stage of his Rapid Fire Pistol event with a score of 293/300 and was placed at 5th. The second stage of his qualifying round would be held tomorrow where he needs to do really well to have any chance of making it to the finals. While one would be cynical about his chances of a medal considering how the hyped athletes have fared, it would be an injustice to the shooter to write him off without giving him a chance. So let’s root for him tomorrow and hopefully see him finish on the podium!