India's ace pistol shooter Samaresh Jung might have ruled out emulating his Melbourne feat in the upcoming Commonwealth Games but he expects a good collective performance from the nation's shooting contingent in the October 3-14 megaevent.
Jung had won five gold, one silver and a bronze medal at the Melbourne Games four years ago, which earned him the nickname of "Goldfinger" and was also adjudged 'Best Athlete of the 18th Commonwealth Games'.
Even though under-prepared Jung is not too optimistic about his own performance, the 40-year-old shooter feels the youngsters will give a stiff challenge to the seasoned pros at the Delhi Games.
"My five-gold haul in Melbourne was a dream performance. It will always be a tough task to emulate. I am hoping to do well, but as of now can't say how many events I'll qualify to compete in," he said.
The number of events in which Jung will participate in Delhi will be decided after the selection trials starting on Monday, but making the grade in eight events - four individual and four team disciplines - would be tough for the marksman given the stiff competition.
"A lot of youngsters are shooting good scores. In Delhi 2010 too, it's not going to be about individuals. It will be what the Indian shooting team achieves.
"I can't say how many medals I'll win here in Delhi Commonwealth, but Indian shooters collectively should do quite well, Jung said in a statement released by Delhi Games Organising Committee.
In Melbourne, Indian shooters claimed 16 gold, seven silver and four bronze medals. Jung's individual Commonwealth Games medal haul now stands at seven gold, four silver and one bronze.
In 2006, he came close to matching the record of swimmers Ian Thorpe and Susie O'Neill, who had won six gold medals at previous Commonwealth Games.
However, inspite of huge expectation around him, Jung says he is relaxed and was looking forward to the quadrennial event.
"Initially there was some pressure after winning five gold medals at Melbourne. Performing in front of the home crowd can build pressure on some sportspersons, but it's not so much as to spoil my shooting," he said.
"One looks forward to giving it his best shot, even if you can't always be on top of your game. The past records are of no relevance, it's how you shoot on the big day that matters," added Jung, whose Commonwealth Games romance began with two gold medals and three silver in Manchester in 2002.
