Embraced Buddha's teachings to stay calm: Jitu Rai

New Delhi: “Jittery” and “excited” are expected responses from someone bracing up for his first Olympics. Ahead of the Rio Games, pistol ace Jitu Rai has the same set of answers. But what he is doing to reduce that anxiety is unusual. “I have been reading Buddha’s teachings to keep myself calm. It’s a different feeling, going to the Olympics. I am nervous, though there is no undue pressure on me. I have my own expectation of doing well there...and that is winning the gold,” Jitu told this paper.

Jitu recalls he began embracing the Buddha’s philosophy since 2012, and it had helped him think positive and plan better during tournaments. “I don’t embrace Buddhism, but the teachings. I admire the knowledge and thoughts of Buddha. It helps me take out negative thoughts from my mind. Shooting is a sport where you need to control your mind and focus,” says the 2014 Asian and Commonwealth Games winner in 10M air rifle. “In addition, I meditate every day for 15-20 minutes to improve my concentration.”

On Saturday, Jitu received a boost to his preparations after a podium finish in a World Cup. He overcame his 10th place (50m pistol) disappointment with a silver in the 10m air pistol on the day. It was his sixth World Cup medal overall.

“This surely is a confidence booster. I am happy with my current form. I need to maintain this till the Games which would be enough to make the finals in Rio,” he said “I have got new equipment from Germany recently, and it is performing very well. I am awaiting its best result in Rio, which would be for my mother,” he signed off.