World Cup medal will boost confidence going ahead says Elavenil Valarivan

Rio de Janeiro : Indian shooter Elavenil Valarivan on Thursday said her maiden senior World Cup medal will be a "great confidence booster" as she seeks to scale greater heights in coming years.

"I am happy and this win will give me great confidence going ahead into other national and international competitions," said the youngster, who trains under Project Leap and is supported by Olympic Gold Quest.

Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang has played a part in Elavenil's progress and the shooter did not forget to thank him. "I am really thrilled with this achievement and want to thank my mentor Gagan sir, my coach Neha ma'am & my mental trainer Kirtika ma'am who have trained me so well and without their correct guidance, this would not have been possible."

Mentor Narang was equally proud saying "such performances were the real rewards", adding that Elavenil made it "doubly special" as Gun For Glory celebrated the twin success.

"Elavenil has made a beautiful transition from the junior level to the senior. We have worked very closely on her all these years and her success marks a special day for all of us at Gun For Glory.

She is a smart shooter and has the capability to perform consistently," said Gagan on his ward.

A student of English literature and one who loves to go on long drives, Elavenil is a junior World Cup gold-medallist besides being an Asian champion. It has been remarkable progress for the young shooter who held a gun for the first time as a 13-year-old in native Ahmedabad.