\u201cI think I am very thankful to the entire government, to the state government, for implementing such schemes that help the athletes grow not only mentally but physically as well,\u201d Elavenil told IANS.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cAnd with all the schemes that have been coming up, we definitely can say that India is rightly towards being called a sporting nation. And we are just miles away from achieving our IPTO,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Elavenil contributed to India\u2019s silver in the team event on the same day before returning to the range for the individual final. She remained in control for much of the final but eventually finished second to Japan\u2019s Hinata Taichi, who won gold with an Asian Games record score of 253.0. Elavenil finished on 252.4.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The Indian entered the final two shots with a 0.3-point lead but could not hold on to the advantage as Taichi produced a strong finish. Reflecting on what went wrong during the closing stages, Elavenil said the excitement of being close to the podium briefly affected her focus.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it was more about the excitement part where you know the medals were there, the podium was there. And I kind of got a little sidetracked from my technique, and by the time I came back to the technique, it was a little too far,\u201d she said. \u201cI think it was more about following my technique, following my process and doing the absolute best that I can do for that one given shot,\u201d she added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Elavenil also revealed that she had spoken to her family after the event, with celebrations already underway at home.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI was just speaking to my brother, my father and my mom, and of course we all are very happy. There is a wonderful celebration going on at home. Of course I am missing it out, but I have one more event that I am competing in. And I just want to give my absolute best,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also said Japan has a special place in her career, having competed at her first Olympics in the country and now appearing at her second Asian Games in the same nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cJapan has always been special. I had my first Olympics here. I am having my second Asian Games here. So very grateful for the opportunity that I have got,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
She also said Japan has a special place in her career, having competed at her first Olympics in the country and now appearing at her second Asian Games in the same nation.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think for me I really need a two-day break where I can just sleep in, eat all that I want and just get to spend some time with my family and coaches,\u201d she said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n