Hosts India opened their account at the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup, currently underway in Delhi, on a bright note as Pooja Ghatkar overcame technical issues to win the bronze in women’s 10m air rifle on Friday.

Ghatkar, a former Asian champion, had narrowly missed out on a berth for the Rio Olympics last year when she faltered in the dying moments of qualifying. But she put it all behind her as she made her way to the podium at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, scoring a 228.8 in the final to win her first World Cup medal.

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“I really dreamt of getting a medal in Delhi [in the] World Cup when it was announced last year,” she was quoted as saying by PTI. However, her performance in the final was hindered when the blinder of her gun fell. She had to shoot her final few attempts, including the 19th and 21st when she logged a high 10.8 and 10.7, with one eye closed.

“Of course everyone wants a better medal,” she said. “I am quite happy but not that much.” Explaining what happened, she said, “My blinder got torn or fell and I had to close my eyes and shoot through the final. That was a little bit difficult for me. I guess after 15th or 16th shot it happened. Thank God I was able to do something because there was no time.”

The 28-year-old is mentored by Olympic medallist Gagan Narang, who was in the crowd to see her shoot her way to a medal. Ghatkar credited her mentor after her victory, saying, “Gagan Narang played a big role and supported me both mentally and technically. Yesterday evening, we were speaking and whatever points he told me I put them to use today and it helped me.”

The 28-year-old had a rather challenging journey to the podium. Before her maiden medal, Ghatkar had two final appearances, but was unable to win.

Last year, she missed her Olympics berth by a whisker at the high-scoring final of the Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition. In sniffing distance of a win, leading the field till the 17th attempt, she shot a shocking 8.8 in the 18th to give the younger Ayonika Paul the spot. However, Ghatkar said she was looking ahead, having buried that chapter.