By IANS,
New Delhi: Ace rifle shooter and double world record holder Gagan Narang Tuesday said the Padma Shri award will motivate him to win medal at the 2012 London Olympics.
“It is a great achievement for me. Last year I wanted to skip the Commonwealth Games since there was no motivation for me. But this award means a lot as it will act as a motivation for me to win a medal at the London Olympics,” the World No.4 told IANS.
Narang, who won four gold medals in the Commonwealth Games and two silver at the Asian Games, thought of skipping the Delhi Games last year after he was ignored for the Khel Ratna, the highest sport award of the country.
Asked if the Padma Shri will soothe the pain of being ignored for the Khel Ratna, Narang said: “Award or no award, I have to perform at the international level. But the Padma Shri is a recognition and will surely boost my confidence.”
Narang said that the award will also be an inspiration for young shooters.
“India have emerged as a bug power in shooting sport. This award will boost young shooters, who want to take up the sport as a profession,” he said.