Youngest CWG gold medalist delighted after PM Modi's praise

New Delhi [India], Apr. 29 (ANI): 15-year-old shooter, Anish Bhanwala, who became the youngest Indian to win a gold medal for the country in the Commonwealth Games, expressed his jubilation on Sunday after Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded him for his feat in his radio programme, 'Mann Ki Baat'.

"I am delighted after our Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji mentioned my name in his 'Mann Ki Baat' programme," Bhanwala told ANI.

"In the Commonwealth Games 2018, our country has performed extremely well. Several athletes have won so many medals this year in Commonwealth Games. Our ranking has also improved compared to last time," he added.

Expressing gratitude towards Prime Minister Modi and his government for promoting sports in the country, he said, "The Prime Minister has taken several initiatives for promoting sports in our nation. He started 'Khelo India' to motivate sportsperson like me and others. Along with the Sports Minister (Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore), is also doing a lot for sports in our country."

"It gives athletes a huge boost to see the government standing with us," he added.

Bhanwala, who set a new Commonwealth Games record in the 25m rapid fire pistol event with a score of 30, pledged to continue working hard for future tournaments, like the Asian Games.

Reflecting on the tough-grind he had to go through for his achievements so far, he said, "My schedule included training for five hours every day. I had to manage my studies and games side by side. Education is equally as important but my sport is my life."

Bhanwala, who is on an incredible run of form, had earlier bagged the Gold medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Junior World Cup Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun in Sydney, Australia by bettering China's Zhipeng Cheng in the final. (ANI)