Jitu Rai says he believed unflinchingly, unquestionably in his ability to stage a comeback and win the men's 10m air pistol gold after a rather average qualifying outing in the 21st Commonwealth Games here today.
"Frankly speaking, my qualification score was not very good, but I had 100 percent faith in my ability that I can do it, because I have done well in the finals and won many medals in the past. My belief was unflinching," the unassuming Rai said.
The World Championship silver medallist broke the CWG record (235.1) to claim the top prize by some distance in the finals after being placed fourth in the qualification phase with 570.
"Two-three low scores pulled me down but then my belief helped me. That makes me really happy. So, I was confident of covering it in the finals and I never back off. So again, I am reaping the rewards of all the hard word work I have put in during training."
Asked about what looked like a premature celebration by her when she thought she had won a gold following that 10.9, Ghosh said, "It was my mistake. I was so focused on the game I didn't notice it was only a shoot-off."
The 17-year-old, who trains at Olympian Joydeep Karmakar's academy in Kolkata, added, "It was my first Commonwealth Games. I'm happy but definitely not satisfied."
On her plans for future competitions, she said, "I will try harder next time. I know I can do more and will try my best."