At 17, Ayush Rudraraju, a veteran of eight international competitions, made his ninth a memorable one by winning a maiden silver in the skeet team event at the 52nd ISSF World Championship in Changwon, Korea.
“It is a great feeling to be a silver medallist in a World championship which is the next best after Olympics in terms of challenges and quality of shooters taking part,” said Ayush in a chat with Sportstar . “This is the stepping stone to the realisation of an Olympic quota,” he added.
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His team members at the event were Gurnihal Singh Garcha and Anantjeet Singh Naruka.
“I was looking for the gold but the pressure was building on the second day and the weather conditions too were not favourable as it was very windy. We had to try to do things out of the ordinary,” said Ayush.
“We were definitely unlucky given the fact that it was just one target which separated us from the gold medallist — we scored 355 to Czech Republic’s 356,” added Ayush.
“The next big meets are the Nationals and the junior Asian shotgun championship in Kuwait this November. Hope to script a golden finish there,” said the IBDP 12th standard student of Oakridge International School (Gachibowli).
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“This is a significant silver given the fact that you will be getting an invite for the Olympic trial events. We have four more Olympic quota place events,” said Ayush.
“The ultimate goal is to represent India in the Olympics and win a medal. Thanks to our team coach Ennio Falco (former Olympic gold medallist from Italy), who is with the seniors and takes time off to be with us and gives invaluable tips, I am confident of a bright future,” said Ayush, who trains at the Gachibowli SATS shooting ranges whenever he is in the City.
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