Nagoya, September 21, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian shooter Rudrankksh Balasaheb Patil believes handling noise, pressure and rising heart rates is an essential part of becoming a top marksman, saying thorough preparation helped him stay composed while winning two medals at the Asian Games.
Patil won bronze in the men’s 10m air rifle individual event and was also part of India’s silver-medal-winning team at the Aichi-Nagoya Games, adding to his growing collection of international honours.
The 2022 world champion said India’s shooting contingent had deliberately prepared for the conditions they expected to encounter at the Games, including humidity, rain and the vocal support around the shooting range.
“This time our country gave us an opportunity to prepare well. Our camp was in Bhopal. In Bhopal, the same type of rain, the same type of atmosphere, the same type of humidity,” Patil told IANS.
He said the team had also prepared for the noise and pressure generated by the crowd.
“They were screaming and trying to trouble us. We were in a rhythm and we knew that we would get so much noise and trouble. When we went to the finals, we were quite chill. We were feeling very homely and we were able to perform well,” he said.
Rather than seeking silence, Patil believes shooters should learn to embrace the heightened emotions that come with competing in front of a crowd.
“No, not silent. We will enjoy only when there is noise. If there is no noise, it will be boring for us too. We like the kick, we like the thrill,” he said.
“When the heart rate is increasing, the movement is increasing, then how can we score 10 in it. The best shooter is the one who can handle these movements. We would like to be the best shooters.”
Patil dedicated his medals to the country and acknowledged the support he has received through government-backed programmes and Olympic Gold Quest.
“Medals are of course dedicated to the country. The country has done a lot for us. The more we can do for the country, the more responsibility we have,” he said.
The shooter said he has been part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Khelo India programmes since 2020, while Olympic Gold Quest has also supported him since the same year.
“I am very happy and proud that I have won two medals for my country. Bronze and Team Silver. Very happy,” Patil said.
He also sent birthday wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whose birthday coincided with the Games, saying the Indian shooting contingent had hoped to celebrate the occasion with a gold medal.
“Honourable Prime Minister Sir, we were unable to tweet on your birthday. We were unable to post a message on Instagram. We thought we would hit gold and wish you personally, but we missed the target. Next time we will do this, but very happy birthday to you,” Patil said.
Patil also had a message for aspiring athletes, expressing hope that India’s medals could inspire someone going through a difficult phase.
“For the country, I am just saying I sometimes feel very down. I always look forward. I always look up to the best players in our country, and I hope these medals inspire someone and help someone move from a low phase to an up phase,” he said.
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