16-year-old Saurabh Chaudhary became the newest internet sensation after he bagged a gold medal in the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta. He grabbed the yellow metal in the 10m air pistol finals.
Chaudhary has now become the fifth Indian shooter to claim a gold in the Asian Games history.
Son of a farmer based in Kalina Village in Meerut, Chaudhary defeated several world and Olympic champions including Jin Jongoh from Korea, Japan’s Tomoyuki Matsuda, in the 10m air pistol finals to finish at the top of the podium.
This was Chaudhary’s first senior event. He aggregated 240.7 points to surpass 42-year-old Matsuda from Japan who misfired on the 23rd shot, an 8.9, to settle for silver. He scored 239.7.
Chaudhary’s 240.7 in the finals is the highest score in the history of Asian Games.
Chaudhary, a student of class XI, learnt the tricks of the trade at Amit Sheoran’s academy at Benoli near Baghpat, 53 kilometres from Meerut. Whenever he is home, he helps his father in the farming business.
“I like farming. We don’t get much time off from training but whenever I do, I go back to my Village (Kalina) and help my father,” PTI quoted Chaudhary as saying.
Following his feat, many celebrities like Vijender Singh, Sports Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore heaped praises on the young shooter.
16 years. Very first Asian Games. AND A _ MEDAL.
The INCREDIBLY talented #SaurabhChaudhary has truly arrived! WELL DONE, young man! Proud of you! #AsianGames2018 #IndiaAtAsianGames pic.twitter.com/JTyBz1QgiG
— Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) August 21, 2018
Congratulations to India’s Young Champ, 16-year-old #SaurabhChaudhary for clinching GOLD and truly Hardworking #AbhishekVerma, for winning Bronze in Men’s 10m Air Pistol event.
The Nation is celebrating Your Victories with Pride !!!#AsianGames2018_ _ pic.twitter.com/smXRVFaRXN— Vijender Singh (@boxervijender) August 21, 2018
Congratulations to #SaurabhChaudhary for winning a gold and #AbhishekVerma for bagging a bronze in the Men’s #10mAirPistol! #Shooting #AsianGames2018 __ pic.twitter.com/kK4Jj8N6RG
— Preity G Zinta (@realpreityzinta) August 21, 2018
C’mon #India let us congratulate the #BoyWonder of the #Indian contingent at the #AsianGames2018_ __: Saurabh Chaudhary, who has just grabbed India’s third _. #SaurabhChaudhary epitomizes the youth of our country, their aspirations & their determination. #JaiHind pic.twitter.com/GT9thR35Es
— Vijay Kumar Singh (@Gen_VKSingh) August 21, 2018
A stunning performance by 16 year old shooter #SaurabhChaudhary who clinches third Gold for #India at #AsianGames2018 . #AbhishekVerma wins a Bronze. Congratulations boys! India is immensely proud of you. __ pic.twitter.com/JRNkIZlVlX
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) August 21, 2018
16 year old #SaurabhChaudhary wins the gold medal in 10m Air Pistol event at #AsianGames. Just shows how Indian athletes are brimming with young talents. Spot them, nurture them & see the results at the world stage. Congrats & #SaurabhChaudhary & #AbhishekVerma (bronze medal).
— Jhulan Goswami (@JhulanG10) August 21, 2018
Chaudhary’s next target will be World Championships after the Games.
