Narang confident of handling pressure at Olympics

Gagan Narang has conceded that the burden of high expectations is new for Indian shooters as they prepare for the London Olympics but promised to deliver at the Games in 2012.

Expectations from the shooters have grown by leaps and bounds ever since Abhinav Bindra won that elusive gold at the Beijing Olympics. Following that, the performance of the Indian shooters will be watched keenly at the next year's Games.

As many as eight Indian shooters have qualified for the quadrennial event and the 2011 Khel Ratna-awardee is confident of coping well with the pressure.

"I think we are not used to so much of limelight. We only come in the news when we perform. So, it is new for us and now a high pressure situation. Hopefully, we will handle it well," Narang said.

Asked if the pressure is positive or negative, Narang said, "If it gets too much, it gets negative, definitely. It requires a great deal of effort to overcome the kind of pressure that we have. I would not be able to explain that to you at the moment, but it is a high pressure situation."

Narang will be representing India in three events at the London Olympics -- 10m Air Rifle, 50m Rifle Prone and 50m Rifle 3 Position.

Lack of ammunition has crippled his preparations but as he waits for the cartridge Narang is working hard on his fitness.

"I was an air rifle shooter and now little bit into 3 position and prone. 3 position and prone are events are physically very demanding and also need good ammunition. So, working on my physical fitness at the moment and once I get my ammunition, I will be on my way for training," he said.

He has sought permission from the Director General of Civil Aviation for the import of new stock of ammunition a month back and is still waiting for the sanction.

"We just started preparations for the Olympics. My coach has chalked out a plan for me. In due course of time, I will let you what it is in detail.

"At the moment, we have national championships coming up, internationally, we have the Asian Air Gun championship coming up in January; it is the last qualification tournament for people who have not qualified for the Olympics. So looking forward to a good competition and let's hope for the best."