Rio Olympics bound Apurvi Chandela led the charge as Indians grabbed six medals, including three gold, on the opening day of shooting competitions in the 12th South Asian Games here today.
Chandela easily shot down the gold in her pet event of women's 10m air rifle with a total score of 209.00 points, while compatriots Elizabeth Susan Koshy and Pooja Ghatkar won the silver and bronze as Indian markswomen swept the medals at the Kahilipara Shooting Range here.
In men's 50m pistol event, however, Indians failed to win the gold with Om Prakash -- who shot 187.3 points -- bagging a silver and Olympic-bound Prakash Nanjappa finishing outside podium at fourth. The gold was won by Bangladesh's Sakil Ahmed, who shot 187.6 points.
Prakash later told PTI that he took part in the event despite having problems in his left eye, which did not allow to give his best today.
"I took part despite not being well. I have been feeling a burning sensation on my left eye for the last two days and I am having antibiotics. So, I could not focus my eyes for long," he said.
India also pocketed a gold each in men's 50m pistol team event and women's 10m air rifle team event.
(REOPENS SPD 15)
India's Men's 50m Pistol team comprised Omkar Singh, Prakash Nanjappa and Om Prakash who shot a combined total of 1622.
