Profile: Ronjan Singh Sodhi

Sport: Shooting

Born: 23rd October 1979

Event: Double Trap

About Ronjan Singh Sodhi:

Ronjan Singh Sodhi became the first Indian shooter to defend his World title when he won the Gold in double trap event at the 2010 World Cup final in Izmir, Turkey. He had earlier got a Gold at the 2010 ISSF World Cup held at Lonato, Italy.

He also got two Silver medals for India at the Commonwealth Games held in Delhi. Later he bagged Gold at the Asian Games 2010.

An Arjuna awardee, Sodhi won the Silver medal at the 2011 ISSF World Cup, China, to book his ticket to London.

2012 might not have been the brightest of years for Ronjan Singh Sodhi but for 'literally' the Royal shooter, all that matters in the Olympic year is an Olympic medal. He was not not able to win a medal in three World Cups during 2012, but India's top double-trap shooter would want a similar performance that got him Glory at the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Delhi and Asian Games, Guangzhou.

Focusing all energies to detail rather than getting medals, Sodhi has worked on the mental aspect of his game. The second of the World Cups of 2012 was held in London at the same range where Olympic events will take place. The experience will definitely hold the shooter from Ferozepur in good stead cometh the Games.

Receiving backing from the Indian Government has been beneficial to Indian athletes in general and shooters in particular. Getting time to prepare, since most of them got quotas well in advance, has been another benefit for the medal hopes.

India would be looking to Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang to bring gold medals for the country but the ever-consistent Ronjan must not be discounted at all. He might not be the firm favourite but underdogs are known to do well. Performing under pressure has been his forte and Olympics would be Sodhi's chance to continue that.

Previous Olympics: None