'Trained separately, conversation was brief': Sarabjot Singh reveals he barely trained with Bhaker

Sarabjot Singh, who partnered with Manu Bhaker to win India's first ever Olympic medal in a mixed shooting event, on Saturday said y "barely" got to train toger in run-up to ir event.

Bhaker and Sarabjot scripted history with a bronze medal in 10m air pistol mixed team shooting event at Paris Games.

"My training was due at 9, hers was due at 12, individually. Mixed session lasted for 30 minutes, before which she trained separately, and I separately.

"Our conversation was usually brief and limited to 'Apna 100 per cent dena hai (we have to give our 100 per cent)'. Apart from that, we enjoyed some banter. Sometimes I would make fun of her, sometimes she would of me," recalled Sarabjot.

Sarabjot also revealed his longtime fandom for Yusuf Dikec and said he has been looking up to Turkish shooting icon for inspiration since 2011.

"I have been watching his (Yusuf's) videos since 2011. He has always been like this. He is 51 today. Even though I have tried, I could not match his perfection. If I h chance, I would ask him what he eats?," said 22-year-old from Dheen village of Haryana during an interview with PUMA India.

Sarabjot said that his pistol is engraved with SSINGH30, comprising his initials and a significant date in his journey.

"I didn't give it a name. When I achieved my personal best at 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, I got weapon engraved with 'SSINGH30'. That is my best weapon. Because my medal (gold) came on September 30 and that was a significant achievement," he said.

athlete also shared that he has h to deal with his fair share of setbacks in his journey. Meditation, and a rare yogic technique called Trataka, helped him.

" main technique is to look at candle flame with eyes open for three minutes, and n imagine for two minutes. I used to keep it directly in front of my eyes.

"Complete darkness in room, complete peace, silence. My eyes would water; it was not easy. most important thing is visualisation in shooting," said Sarabjot.

In conclusion, Olympic medallist stated his ambition for 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"LA '28; iska colour change karna hai (LA '28, I want to change its colour)," said Sarabjot, gesturing toward his glittering bronze medal. PTI AH AH TAP