Jaspal Rana with one of his gold medals at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester

Calcutta: Till Rajyavardhan Rathore trapped the history-scripting silver in Athens, Jaspal Rana was the (glamorous) icon of shooting in India.

On Tuesday evening, though, Rana wasn’t displeased that Rathore had ‘toppled’ him.

“I was pretty certain he would return with a medal… Like other Indians, main bahut proud hoon… In fact, I expected medals from Anjali (Bhagwat) and (Abhinav) Bindra as well,” Rana told The Telegraph, while driving his Bolero from Dehra Dun to New Delhi.

Asked what made him so confident, he answered: “Rathore’s determination to make a mark… His devotion to shooting… Everything has paid off... He has always been the serious type and, as important, not one to take shit from anybody.”

Of course, Rana too would have been in Athens had the Olympics featured his events — standard pistol and centre-fire pistol.

“It’s a regret, yes, but I can’t do anything about it… At the moment, then, I’m content rejoicing in Rathore’s success,” Rana, who became a teenaged hero by winning the World Junior Championship in Milan a decade ago, remarked.

Elaborating on Rathore being the “serious type,” he said: “In the build-up to any competition, you won’t find him joking or lazing around… Instead, you will probably find him listening to Raag Bhairavi… Idea being to keep calm… He’s the different sort and draws much strength from raagas.”

But, henceforth, isn’t Rathore going to be under greater pressure?

“I don’t think so… Mentally, he’s tough and capable of handling whatever pressure is there… Frankly, it’s the dumb sportsmen who succumb (to pressure)… Rathore is smart,” came Rana’s affectionate reply.

Given that the shooters usually have a string of grievances, will Rathore’s silver make a difference?

“Well, I hope it does… Those in authority have this habit of taking criticism to heart… They feel it’s a personal attack… I’ll be pleased if at least this attitude changes,” Rana emphasised.

He continued (after pausing to negotiate a bend on the demanding drive): “Actually, we shooters should be happy that the Media gives us exposure and, thereby, we are in a position to be heard… Many sportsmen, on the other hand, get stifled…”

Incidentally, having added to his awesome golden collection at the SAF Games in Islamabad, earlier this year, Rana is now focusing on next year’s Asian Championship.

“Sure, I’m into a lot of things (including being associated with the BJP, of which he is co-convenor of the sports cell), but shooting remains a priority,” Rana signed off.

We believe him.