Fifteen years ago, when ace shooter Tejaswini Sawant, then not so well-known, was in urgent need of funds to participate in a shooting world championship in Germany, the then Goa chief minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/india-bids-farewell-to-goa-chief-minister-manohar-parrikar-204123">Manohar Parrikar</a> became her ray of hope.

The support not only enabled the shooter from Kolhapur in Maharashtra to participate in the competition in 2005, but also became a turning point in her career as she scaled new heights thereafter, Sawant told PTI.

Her only regret now is that she could not thank the chief minister enough for his generosity which made a big contribution in her life and shooting career.

"It was a brief meeting with Parrikar along with family friend and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil. I told Parrikar about the amount I required for the tournament. He promptly signed a cheque for the same," the ace shooter said.

"The amount was around Rs 1 lakh and it was the most needed help for me that changed my entire career," she said.

It helped Sawant move ahead as she scored 397 and 396 points out of 400, comfortably securing a place among the mainstream shooters to represent India in future international tournaments.

She later became the first Indian woman shooter to win a gold medal at the World Championships, with a world-record equalling score in the 50m rifle prone event in 2010 in Germany. After 2006, Sawant has won several gold and other medals in international championships.

"I could do it only because of two people. First, Manohar Parrikar for his trust and financial support, and then Chandrakant Patil, who took my case to Parrikar," she said.

She said after the early success in her career, she received offers for a job in the Goa government and financial help for travel and training expenses till she wanted to play.

Sawant is now an officer in Maharashtra government.

"I regret that I could never thank Parrikar properly for his contribution in my life and career," the shooter said while expressing grief over his demise.

When contacted, Patil, Maharashtra's revenue minister, said he shared close ties with Parrikar. He said when Sawant approached him, Parrikar's name came to his mind and he called him.

"He was like that (generous). In case of Tejaswini, Parrikar helped her in his own capacity. He didn't use government money (to give her). He spent from his pocket but never brought up the issue in our subsequent conversations," Patil recalled.&nbsp;

Fifteen years ago, when ace shooter Tejaswini Sawant, then not so well-known, was in urgent need of funds to participate in a shooting world championship in Germany, the then Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar became her ray of hope.

Fifteen years ago, when ace shooter Tejaswini Sawant, then not so well-known, was in urgent need of funds to participate in a shooting world championship in Germany, the then Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar became her ray of hope. The support not only enabled the shooter from Kolhapur in Maharashtra to participate in the competition in 2005, but also became a turning point in her career as she scaled new heights thereafter, Sawant told PTI. Her only regret now is that she could not thank the chief minister enough for his generosity which made a big contribution in her life and shooting career. "It was a brief meeting with Parrikar along with family friend and senior BJP leader Chandrakant Patil. I told Parrikar about the amount I required for the tournament. He promptly signed a cheque for the same," the ace shooter said. "The amount was around Rs 1 lakh and it was the most needed help for me that changed my entire career," she said. It helped Sawant move ahead as she scored 397 and 396 points out of 400, comfortably securing a place among the mainstream shooters to represent India in future international tournaments. She later became the first Indian woman shooter to win a gold medal at the World Championships, with a world-record equalling score in the 50m rifle prone event in 2010 in Germany. After 2006, Sawant has won several gold and other medals in international championships. "I could do it only because of two people. First, Manohar Parrikar for his trust and financial support, and then Chandrakant Patil, who took my case to Parrikar," she said. She said after the early success in her career, she received offers for a job in the Goa government and financial help for travel and training expenses till she wanted to play. Sawant is now an officer in Maharashtra government. "I regret that I could never thank Parrikar properly for his contribution in my life and career," the shooter said while expressing grief over his demise. When contacted, Patil, Maharashtra's revenue minister, said he shared close ties with Parrikar. He said when Sawant approached him, Parrikar's name came to his mind and he called him. "He was like that (generous). In case of Tejaswini, Parrikar helped her in his own capacity. He didn't use government money (to give her). He spent from his pocket but never brought up the issue in our subsequent conversations," Patil recalled.

When Manohar Parrikar helped ace shooter Tejaswini Sawant take aim

15-year-old <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-after-silver-shooter-tejaswini-sawant-wins-gold-130171">shooter Anish Bhanwala won the gold </a>medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol at the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast on Friday.

Bhanwala is the youngest Indian to ever win the gold at the Commonwealth Games.

The Haryana teenager&nbsp;shot down the CWG record in the final with a score of 30 including four series of 5 each.

Australia's Sergei Evglevski claimed the silver with 28, while the bronze medal went to Sam Gowin (17) of England.

India's other entrant in the event, Neeraj Kumar (13) was the second shooter to be eliminated in the finals after a shoot-off.

By winning the gold, Anish bettered team-mate Manu Bhaker, who had become the youngest Indian Commonwealth Games gold medallist earlier this week when she emerged champion in the 10m air rifle finals.

In the qualifications, Anish had scored 580 to finish top of the tally while Neeraj was second best with 579.

Anish scored 286 in stage 1 and 294 in stage 2 qualifying, while Neeraj had 291 in stage 1 and 288 in stage 2.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, 37-year-old shooter Tejaswini Sawant had clinched the coveted the gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions.

India has won 16 gold medals so far at the CWG beating the gold medal tally set at Glasgow.

The teenager scored of 30/40 in the final after finishing on top during the qualification round.

15-year-old shooter Anish Bhanwala won the gold medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol at the Commonwealth Games at Gold Coast on Friday. Bhanwala is the youngest Indian to ever win the gold at the Commonwealth Games. The Haryana teenager shot down the CWG record in the final with a score of 30 including four series of 5 each. Australia's Sergei Evglevski claimed the silver with 28, while the bronze medal went to Sam Gowin (17) of England. India's other entrant in the event, Neeraj Kumar (13) was the second shooter to be eliminated in the finals after a shoot-off. By winning the gold, Anish bettered team-mate Manu Bhaker, who had become the youngest Indian Commonwealth Games gold medallist earlier this week when she emerged champion in the 10m air rifle finals. In the qualifications, Anish had scored 580 to finish top of the tally while Neeraj was second best with 579. Anish scored 286 in stage 1 and 294 in stage 2 qualifying, while Neeraj had 291 in stage 1 and 288 in stage 2. Earlier in the day, 37-year-old shooter Tejaswini Sawant had clinched the coveted the gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions. India has won 16 gold medals so far at the CWG beating the gold medal tally set at Glasgow.

Commonwealth Games: 15-year-old shooter Anish Bhanwala wins gold in 25m pistol event

Shooter <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-shooter-tejaswini-sawant-cliches-silver-in-50m-rifle-event-130002">Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver </a>medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions.

Anjum Moudgil,&nbsp;24, won the silver in the same event.&nbsp;

Tejaswini,&nbsp;37, held the lead from the first shot in the finals and broke the CWG record with 457.9.

The Indian shooter&nbsp;scored 152.4 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone positions before the eight finalists entered the elimination stage.

The previous record of 449.1 was set by Jasmine Ser Xiang Wei of Singapore at the Glasgow Games in 2014.

Moudgil, 24, had led the qualification with a Games record herself and carried the form into the final where she shot 455.7, holding the second position with scores of 151.9 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone. 
Scotland's Seonaid Mcintosh won bronze 444.6.

Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG&nbsp;equalling the country's 2014 gold medal&nbsp;tally at Glasgow.

Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points.

She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively at the 2010 CWG in New Delhi.

Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points.

Shooter Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions. Anjum Moudgil, 24, won the silver in the same event. Tejaswini, 37, held the lead from the first shot in the finals and broke the CWG record with 457.9. The Indian shooter scored 152.4 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone positions before the eight finalists entered the elimination stage. The previous record of 449.1 was set by Jasmine Ser Xiang Wei of Singapore at the Glasgow Games in 2014. Moudgil, 24, had led the qualification with a Games record herself and carried the form into the final where she shot 455.7, holding the second position with scores of 151.9 in kneeling and 157.1 in prone. Scotland's Seonaid Mcintosh won bronze 444.6. Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG equalling the country's 2014 gold medal tally at Glasgow. Tejaswini Sawant had won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone earlier with a score of 618.9 points. She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively at the 2010 CWG in New Delhi.

Commonwealth Games: After silver, shooter Tejaswini Sawant wins gold in 50m Rifle 3 Positions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-indian-athletes-rakesh-babu-irfan-kolothum-removed-from-games-village-over-breach-of-no-needle-policy-130166">Rakesh Babu, Irfan Kolothum removed from Commonwealth Games over breach of 'no needle policy'</a>

Two Indian athletes, Irfan Kolothum Thodi and Rakesh Babu, were on Friday asked to leave the Commonwealth Games (CWG) immediately over breach of "no needle policy".

"Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi are in breach of the No Needle Policy after they failed to ensure compliance with the no needle policy and, in particular, failed to ensure compliance with paragraphs I, II, III and IV of the no needle policy," a Commonwealth Games Federation(CGF) statement said.

Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi were not permitted to participate in the Commonwealth Games "with immediate effect".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/commonwealth-games-after-silver-shooter-tejaswini-sawant-wins-gold-130171">Commonwealth Games: After silver, shooter Tejaswini Sawant wins gold in 50m Rifle 3 Positions</a>

Shooter Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions.

Anjum Moudgil won the silver in the same event.&nbsp;

Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG equalling the country's 2014 gold medal tally at Glasgow.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/unnao-rape-case-cbi-detains-main-accused-bjp-mla-kuldeep-singh-senger-130161">Watch: CBI detains Unnao rape case accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger</a>

The CBI on Thursday night detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger the main accused in the gang rape of a minor in Unnao.

ANI sources said CBI had registered 3 cases against Sengar.

The police had registered cases against the BJP MLA under various sections of IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.&nbsp;

The MLA has been booked under IPC sections &nbsp;376 (rape), 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her for marriage,), 363 (kidnapping) and 506 (criminal intimidation).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-who-are-here-to-push-people-must-go-home-priyanka-vadra-at-midnight-march-130163">Watch: Those who push people must go home, says Priyanka Vadra at midnight march</a>

Congress President Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protest on Thursday against the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes at the capital's India Gate.&nbsp;

Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Vadra, who was also present along with her husband Robert Vadra, was pushed by some people in the chaotic crowd. A visibly angry Priyanka asked people to maintain calm and think about the cause for which they had assembled there.

"Nobody will push each other. You should know the reason for which you are here. If you cannot behave go home. Now, all of you will silently walk till there," said Priyanka. 
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<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-has-asked-trade-advisors-to-rejoin-trans-pacific-partnership-white-house--130170">President Trump has asked trade advisors to rejoin Trans-Pacific Partnership: White House</a>

White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said today President Trump has asked trade advisors to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership(TTP) which the US had pulled out from last year.

Republican senators met with Trump on Thursday and he told them that he has asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations, Reuters reported.

"The president has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year," White House spokeswoman Walters said.

Rakesh Babu, Irfan Kolothum removed from Commonwealth Games over breach of 'no needle policy' Two Indian athletes, Irfan Kolothum Thodi and Rakesh Babu, were on Friday asked to leave the Commonwealth Games (CWG) immediately over breach of "no needle policy". "Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi are in breach of the No Needle Policy after they failed to ensure compliance with the no needle policy and, in particular, failed to ensure compliance with paragraphs I, II, III and IV of the no needle policy," a Commonwealth Games Federation(CGF) statement said. Rakesh Babu and Irfan Kolothum Thodi were not permitted to participate in the Commonwealth Games "with immediate effect". Commonwealth Games: After silver, shooter Tejaswini Sawant wins gold in 50m Rifle 3 Positions Shooter Tejaswini Sawant who won the silver medal at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) on Thursday, today clinched the coveted gold medal in the women's 50 meters Rifle 3 Positions. Anjum Moudgil won the silver in the same event. Sawant's gold medal ensured India bagging 15 golds at the CWG equalling the country's 2014 gold medal tally at Glasgow. Watch: CBI detains Unnao rape case accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger The CBI on Thursday night detained BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Senger the main accused in the gang rape of a minor in Unnao. ANI sources said CBI had registered 3 cases against Sengar. The police had registered cases against the BJP MLA under various sections of IPC and provisions of the Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The MLA has been booked under IPC sections 376 (rape), 366 (kidnapping, abducting or inducing woman to compel her for marriage,), 363 (kidnapping) and 506 (criminal intimidation). Watch: Those who push people must go home, says Priyanka Vadra at midnight march Congress President Rahul Gandhi led a midnight protest on Thursday against the Kathua and Unnao gang rapes at the capital's India Gate. Rahul Gandhi's sister Priyanka Vadra, who was also present along with her husband Robert Vadra, was pushed by some people in the chaotic crowd. A visibly angry Priyanka asked people to maintain calm and think about the cause for which they had assembled there. "Nobody will push each other. You should know the reason for which you are here. If you cannot behave go home. Now, all of you will silently walk till there," said Priyanka. WATCH: Priyanka Gandhi gets angry at the candlelight march, says 'Nobody will push each other. You should know the reason for which you are here. If you cannot behave go home. Now, all of you will silently walk till there' pic.twitter.com/Hlu9cSKOJG — ANI (@ANI) April 12, 2018 × President Trump has asked trade advisors to rejoin Trans-Pacific Partnership: White House White House spokeswoman Lindsay Walters said today President Trump has asked trade advisors to rejoin the Trans-Pacific Partnership(TTP) which the US had pulled out from last year. Republican senators met with Trump on Thursday and he told them that he has asked United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow to re-open negotiations, Reuters reported. "The president has consistently said he would be open to a substantially better deal, including in his speech in Davos earlier this year," White House spokeswoman Walters said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Shooter Tejaswini Sawant won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone final today at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) in Gold Coast.

Tejaswini scored a total of 618.9 points to clinch second place in the event.

The silver medal&nbsp;is India's twelveth shooting medal at the Games.

She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively in New Delhi in 2010.

With this win, she further became the first Indian woman to medal twice in this event at the Commonwealth Games. The only other Indian to win a medal in this event was Roopa Unnikrishnan, who won Gold in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur.

37-year old Tejaswini, born in Kolhapur, had earlier equalled the world record (EWR) after winning gold in the Munich World Championships in 2010 in the 50m rifle prone.

Anjum Moudgil, the other Indian in the fray, finished 16th, shooting a combined 602.2 in six rounds.

Tejaswini scored 618.9 to clinch second place in the event.

Shooter Tejaswini Sawant won the silver medal in women's 50 meters Rifle Prone final today at the Commonwealth Games(CWG) in Gold Coast. Tejaswini scored a total of 618.9 points to clinch second place in the event. The silver medal is India's twelveth shooting medal at the Games. She previously won gold in 10m air rifle and 10m air rifle (pairs) in Melbourne in 2006 and a silver and two bronze medals in 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3 positions and 50m rifle prone (pairs) respectively in New Delhi in 2010. With this win, she further became the first Indian woman to medal twice in this event at the Commonwealth Games. The only other Indian to win a medal in this event was Roopa Unnikrishnan, who won Gold in 1998 in Kuala Lumpur. 37-year old Tejaswini, born in Kolhapur, had earlier equalled the world record (EWR) after winning gold in the Munich World Championships in 2010 in the 50m rifle prone. Anjum Moudgil, the other Indian in the fray, finished 16th, shooting a combined 602.2 in six rounds.

Commonwealth Games: Shooter Tejaswini Sawant cliches silver in 50m rifle event