‘Where’s the motivation?’

Denied a Khel Ratna for the 3rd year on the trot, Gagan Narang takes a break from shooting
Winning is a habit. And winners don’t like to lose. Indian shooter Gagan Narang is no exception to this rule. With six gold, two silver and two bronze medals in just 2010, Gagan is quite at ease on the winner’s podium. But if such records still make him a loser when it comes to the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, Gagan claims it sure is reason enough for him to feel depressed.
The shooter, who is the first Indian to qualify for the London 2012 Olympics by virtue of his bronze at the 50th World Championships, now wants to take a break from shooting.Back in the country on Friday, Gagan is crestfallen that the government has overlooked his performances for the third consecutive year. “What is the use of winning if it is not recognized by the government? The only medal to have eluded me is an Olympic medal. I’m the only world record holder in an Olympic sport in India. But where is the motivation with no acknowledgement of the laurels I’ve won for the country?” Gagan asks.
But why should a government recognition worry him so much considering that that he is someone who has been the World No. 2 in 10m air rifle category? “Every athlete is striving for excellence and awards are a form of recognition. It is a form of encouragement for a player,” justifies the shooter.
With depression having set in, Gagan is also contemplating about not taking part in the Commonwealth Games in September. Incidentally, he had won four golds in the last edition of the Games. “I haven’t yet thought about it. But yes, it is there at the back of my mind,” he confirms, adding, “I’m taking a break from shooting right now. However, I must stress that my federation, the ministry and my sponsors have all been pillars of support for me.”
The Hyderabad-based shooter hopes the “system” will improve in future. Ask him if he thinks that there are forces within the system working against him, all he offers is: “I cannot rule out that possibility.” Though Gagan isn’t ready to elaborate any further, should he finally decide not to compete in the almost-tainted 2010 CWG, it certainly will be a setback to India’s medal hopes.
Follow us on Twitter for more stories