Govil’s aggregate score was 476.8 (381) to 478.8 of Annuraj Singh (383 preliminary round), who eventually won the title.

Govil expressed satisfaction over her performance and said: “I did score my personal best. It’s good that I am improving steadily.”

Back in 1998, Govil had scored 381 at the zonal competition in Chandigarh.

More than her scores, she says, her consistent performance has proved that the national title in Ahmedabad was no fluke. “I had worked hard for it,” she said.

However, in the national shooting meet at Ahmedabad, she had scored 377 in the preliminary round. In the finals, she raised the level of her concentration for a win.

In the Guwahati competition too, Govil was very consistent in the final. This should be an eye-opener for other regular shooters including Shweta Choudhary, Annuraj Singh and Harveen Srao.

Govil, along with other shooters, had earlier attended a week-long camp in Guwahati which was part of the preparation for upcoming international meets. “The camp was organised well. Collective training helped me learn more,” she added.

The national champion, however, was of the view that she needs to put in more hours of training to improve on her performance. “I don't want to rest on my laurels (national title), but move ahead,” she said on Friday.

After winning the national title, Delhi-based Govil — who is working with the Sports Authority of India (SAI) — has become a part of NRAI’s 7-member women’s pistol squad. Hopefully, her recent performance will be considered for the upcoming Asian air weapon shooting championships in Nanjing, China, from April 3 to 9. Majority of the country's top shooters including those who have acquired Beijing quotas, will be participating in the continental competition.