#MeetTheMedalists: All about the shooting star Saurabh Chaudhary
What's the story
Teenager Saurabh Chaudhary scripted a record by becoming only the fifth Indian shooter ever to win a gold medal in the history of Asian Games. The 16-year-old stunned everyone after pocketing the gold in the 10m air pistol finale. This was his debut at the Asiad and he set a Games record with his amazing performance. Here is all about Saurabh.
Show
Chaudhary outsmarts veteran Matsuda
This remarkable feat, by Chaudhary, came after a stupendous show where he displayed his calmness and steel. The teenager snatched the lead from Japan's Matsuda on the penultimate shot in the 24-shot final. He aggregated 240.7. The 42-year-old veteran Matsuda is a 2010 World Champion. He had to settle for silver. India's 29-year-old Abhishek Verma claimed bronze after a total of 219.3.
Background
Who is Saurabh Chaudhary?
Chaudhary hails from Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. The shooter's father is a farmer based in Kalina village. He is currently in class XI and will travel to take part in the World Championships next. He helps his father in farming when he is at home. The promising star learnt shooting at Amit Sheoran's academy at Benoli. It is located 53 kilometres from Meerut.
List
Saurabh joins an illustrious list
Saurabh set the Asian Games record as well with his score of 240.7. Such an inspiring effort by a 16-year-old has taken Twitterati by storm. He started to learn shooting three years ago. He joined an illustrious list of Indians, who had earlier claimed gold in the Asian Games. The list includes names such as Jaspal Rana, Randhir Singh, Jitu Rai and Ronjan Sodhi.
Twitter Post
Sports Minister Rathore in awe of Saurabh
16 years. Very first Asian Games. AND A 🥇 MEDAL.
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 21, 2018
The INCREDIBLY talented #SaurabhChaudhary has truly arrived! WELL DONE, young man! Proud of you! #AsianGames2018 #IndiaAtAsianGames pic.twitter.com/JTyBz1QgiG
Twitter Post
Sania proud of Saurabh's feat
It’s one heck of an achievement to compete at the Asian Games when you are a teenager.But to win a Gold @asiangames2018 is what dreams are made of .. congratulations to Saurabh Chaudhary .. Proud!! 😀🇮🇳
— Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania) August 21, 2018