Rathore's sub, Sodhi's student

“It is a great feeling to compete in the Commonwealth Games. I participated at the youth Games at Pune in 2008, but this will be a different experience. It is a great feeling. I have put in lot of hardwork in the last three years,” Noria said.

Noria, who came into the limelight by winning gold in the World Championship in August in the junior category, knows that stepping into the shoes of Rathore, the defending Commonwealth Games champion, will not be easy.

“Obviously there is some pressure on me because the selection committee has chosen a junior in the senior team for the Commonwealth Games. But I see it the other way, pressure boosts my confidence and I am in a situation where I know that there are lot of expectations from me and I have to perform. I will look to enjoy the pressure.”

Noria took to shooting as a nine-year-old after a visit to the shooting ranges of the Hyderabad University during the Afro-Asian Games. “My father was also a shooter and I was always interested in the shotgun. After the Afro-Asian Games, I took a liking for the sport. I tried my hand in all the three shotgun events — skeet, trap and double trap. Finally I realised that double trap was meant for me,” said Noria, who was initially coached by his businessman father Gusti Noria. 

Noria feels shooting alongside Sodhi at the WCG will give him confidence. “I have known Ronjan for the last four years and he has been my role model and mentor. I have learnt a lot from him. From minute details of holding a gun to shooting techniques and also how to approach an event, I have learnt everything from him.”