'Underdog' Sodhi stays focused for London

JAIPUR: If consistency is the key, then shooter Ronjan Sodhi is one of India's best bets for a medal at the London Games. But ask the soft-spoken gentleman and he says it's better to start as an underdog than going as a favourite and losing the challenge.
"I would love to call myself an underdog. It's better to start a tournament that way," Sodhi told TOI on Sunday night, just before leaving for Italy for the final leg of is preparation.
Considered one of the finest performers on the big stage, Sodhi feels this time the shooters are well prepared for the Games. "The good thing is that this time all of us earned the quota well in advance, and it has helped us to fully concentrate on our practice sessions," Sodhi said.
"Last time, the shooters had qualified only three months before the Beijing Olympics, and there wasn't much time for practice. This time we have also got a huge backing from the government," he added.
The ace shooter admitted that his target is to maintain his current score (145) in the qualifiers. "That's my prime target at the moment. If I can reach the 145 score line, a medal is assured. It would be a big challenge for me to put up a fine show in the qualifying round and then go for the kill in the finals," said an optimistic Sodhi who has always put up a brave show in a crisis situation.
For one who has achieved huge success in the last couple of years, going 'underground' is the success mantra. "It's important to focus on your game and that's not possible staying in India. You need to be alienated from what's happening around you, and should only focus on hitting the target. I have been doing this for the last couple of years, and it has helped," said the shooter, who resumed practice barely two days after his Commonwealth Games win two years ago.
While all eyes are on Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang, Sodhi feels that before a mega event, it's good to be under pressure. "I look at it that way. Before every big event you need to be under little pressure, otherwise you tend to take things easy. Bindra and Narang are superstars. They know how to handle a difficult situation. This time we do have a very good chance," he said.
The shooter, who plans to do some 'light' training before the Games, also stressed on the fact that he is working on his finishing touches.