Sarabjot Singh, who contributed to India’s tally of six medals at the Paris Olympics by winning a bronze medal with Manu Bhaker in the 10m Air Pistol mixed team event, on Saturday revealed that they barely got to train together in the run-up to their event.

“My training was due at 9, hers was due at 12, individually. Mixed session lasted for 30 minutes, before which she trained separately, and I separately,” he revealed.

“Our conversation was usually brief and limited to ‘Apna 100 per cent dena hai (we have to give our 100 per cent)’. Apart from that, we enjoyed some banter. Sometimes I would make fun of her, sometimes she would of me,” recalled Sarabjot.

Sarabjot also revealed his longtime fandom for Turkish silver medallist shooter Yusuf Dikec and said he has been looking up to the iconic marksman for inspiration since 2011.

“I have been watching his (Yusuf’s) videos since 2011. He has always been like this. He is 51 today. Even though I have tried, I could not match his perfection. If I had the chance, I would ask him what he eats?,” said the 22-year-old from Dheen village of Haryana during an interview with Puma India.

Sarabjot said that his pistol is engraved with SSINGH30, comprising his initials and a significant date in his journey.

“I didn’t give it a name. When I achieved my personal best at the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, I got the weapon engraved with ‘SSINGH30’. That is my best weapon. Because my medal (gold) came on September 30 and that was a significant achievement,” he said.

The shooter also shared that he has had to deal with his fair share of setbacks in his journey. Meditation, and a rare yogic technique called Trataka, helped him.

“The main technique is to look at the candle flame with eyes open for three minutes, and then imagine for two minutes. I used to keep it directly in front of my eyes,” he said.

“Complete darkness in the room, complete peace, silence. My eyes would water; it was not easy. The most important thing is visualisation in shooting,” he added.

In conclusion, the Olympic medallist stated his ambition for the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

“LA ’28; iska colour change karna hai (LA ’28, I want to change its colour),” said Sarabjot, gesturing toward his glittering bronze medal.

India also got another bronze in shooting through Swapnil Kusale. Meanwhile, Aman Sehrawat bagged a bronze in wrestling. Neeraj Chopra failed to defend his title, and settled for silver in men’s javelin throw. In men’s hockey, India defeated Spain in the bronze medal playoff.