Competing with seniors is not a pressure: Sania

Determined to make herself count in the 2010 Commonwealth Games but faced with lack of shooting competitions for juniors, Sania Sheikh is ready to pip her senior compatriots in the upcoming National Championships to prepare herself for the big occasion.

"There are very few tournaments for juniors. So mostly I have to compete with seniors although I have just crossed 15 years. It is not a pressure for me instead I love the challenge," Sania, the 11th standard student, said.

"I have heard that my name is also there in the list (of CWG probables). It will be a big event," the Meerut girl added.

Sania, who clinched a bronze medal in Asian clay shooting championship here in February, is gearing up for the National Shooting Championship, beginning from December 14.

Daughter of national level shooter Sualeyheen Sheikh, Sania feels her chances to bring laurels for the country would enhance if she could have guidance a specialist coach.

"My father has been my coach and I also take tips from Italian Elia who was here in India last year. But I wish I could get a formal coach," Sania said.

However, the girl admits that the CWG is not going to be a mere cakewalk for her and wants to leave no stone unturned to succeed in the quadrennial extravaganza.

"Technically my coaches have found me ok but I have to work on my fitness, concentration level and mental toughness. CWG will be a tough test. Most probably in skeet me and Arti Singh Roy will be there. Insha Allah we might bring laurels
for our country," she said.