He was India's best hope for an Olympic medal and had even raised hopes by qualifying for finals of 10m Air Pistol two days back in what was not even his pet event, says a report in the DNA, adding that on Wednesday, he was a completely shattered man who was 'ashamed' of letting his country's down.
“Jitu Rai's walked off the shooting range as if he was coming out of a hospital after a long treatment. He looked pale, down and out after finishing 12th in qualifying round of the 50m Pistol event at the Olympic Shooting Centre on Wednesday. Jitu was expected to deliver the goods as he was the most consistent of Indian shooters in the last two years,” says the DNA report.
"I'm ashamed," were the first words that he spoke after this disaster. "I let you and entire country down. People had a lot of expectations from me. My friends, federation and Army have funded me and trained me to the best. Even I was so sure about my chances here. I can't tell you how much I am disappointed today," added the Asian Games gold medallist.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, Jitu knows dejection very well. “His story can inspire anyone. Hailing from an obscure village in Nepal, he moved to India in search of greener pastures. Until 2014, he was an unknown shooter. Once rejected by the Army camp in Mhow in 2007 because of poor form, Jitu managed to claw back into the squad. He went on to win silver at the 2014 World Championships (50m), gold at 2014 Asian Games (50m) and the 2014 Commonwealth Games (50m). He is currently No 3 in the world,” says the report.
After the 10m air pistol disappointment on the first day, he was hoping to well on Wednesday. “I don’t want to blame anyone,” he said. “It’s me and everything I have done here is my fault. I had the rhythm initially, but suddenly lost it. I kept trying to make amends. Perhaps that’s where I lost it.”
The conditions were difficult but Jitu felt it was the same for every shooter. “We know how to adjust. Even during practice, I was doing very well,” he said. “This is something I was not prepared for. What hurt me most is that I can do much better. Who has seen what happens after four years? I have come here and I wanted to win. It doesn’t matter if it’s my first Olympics. There are quite a few who have come here for the first time and won. I don’t believe in first or second times.”
