Champion double-trap shooter and Asian Games gold medallist Ronjan Sodhi is the only Indian marksman to occupy the top spot in the latest ISSF world rankings.
Ronjan, who was earlier ranked second, behind American Joshua Richmond by three points, attained the summit by virtue of his bronze medal-winning feat at the World Cup in July, in Maribor, Slovenia.
It was Ronjan's consistent performances in the past year that assured him the world No.1 spot in double trap.
He is also the reigning World Cup final champion, where his impeccable score of 192/200 fetched him a gold medal last year.
He followed that up with two silver medals at the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, before clinching the silver at the Asian Games in Guangzhou.
"It's a great feeling to be ranked world No 1. It was one of my dreams to be at the top of the ISSF rankings and now that I have reached here I plan to look forward to my other goals and ambitions. The journey hasn't been easy but my determination was what kept me going and the last three years have given me a lot to smile.
"I now want to concentrate on my game for the 2012 Olympics, as a medal in the Olympics is the greatest achievement for any sportsman," an elated Ronjan said.
Ronjan, who did not win any medal till 2007 at any of the World Cups, showcased his ability to shoot under pressure last year by winning three gold medals.
The new world No. 1 is currently in Italy training for the Shotgun World Championships, scheduled for September 2011 in Belgrade.
