After setting mark,Rathore raises the bar

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore doesnt want to dwell too much on the past. And rightly so

Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore doesnt want to dwell too much on the past. And rightly so. The 2004 Olympic silver medalist had spent the better part of the last two years in the wilderness after sparring with the National Rifle Association of India NRAI officials over its selection policies. Now concentrating simply on winning a quota for the 2012 London Games,it is his Perazzi that is doing all the talking.

On Sunday,Rathore equalled the World Record at the Asian Shotgun Championship in Kuala Lumpur with a score of 148 in qualifying,previously set by Russias Vitaly Fokeev.

In the final,he shot down 46 targets on his way to take the gold,totalling 194/200. Finishing six shot adrift was Chinas Junjie Mo,who took silver,while Qatars Rashid Al Athba settled for bronze,nine shots behind. India picked up the team bronze,with the combined total of the trios score Rathore 148,Mohammad Asab 131 and Yoginder Pal 133.

This was the second time in two months that the double trap champion has shot such a high score. At the Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters shotgun championship in September,Rathore tallied 193 to win the gold. Indeed Rathore says,he was working his way back to top form. I was happy with the score in Delhi,but you are never sure of what happens during a competition. Ive never shot 50 targets twice during qualifying rounds in my career,but today I did that and after shooting 10 targets in the third round I knew I would make a world record, he told The Indian Express.

However,it is not certain that his score will be recognised by the International Shooting Sports Federation ISSF,even though the Asian meet is sanctioned by them. But Rathore isnt bothered. I am not concerned whether this record will be appearing on a piece of paper or not. What matters is the fact that all the shooters know what I am capable of, he said.

Time though is running out for Rathore to make the cut for the London Games. There is just one Olympics Qualifier left the 2012 Asian Championship in January. Rathore,his old swagger back, however,is ready for all outcomes. One has to understand that I started competing only in 2011. I am putting in my best here and I once I am done I cant complain or ask for anything more. I am taking in one day at a time, he said.