NEW DELHI: India's rifle and pistol shooters have grabbed the headlines at international occasions around the globe and will face a stern test now at the Asian Games, the place capturing is as soon as again expected to spearhead the rustic's medal hunt.
But shotgun is one self-discipline the place India have not performed really well persistently. However, 2010 Asiad gold-medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes with regards to the Asian Games, the shotgun shooters are always going to be in business.
Double-trap champion from the Guangzhou Games, Sodhi is without doubt one of the best Indian voices who is aware of the sport inside out, especially with regards to entice occasions.
"In rifle and pistol shooting, Asiad is the real test when we compare the field to the Commonwealth Games. But in the case of shotgun, it's the opposite," Sodhi said talking to TOI Sports.
"Remember, China has not done well of late in trap; and if you ask me, double trap is a sure-shot medal prospect," he added.
India's entice shooters shall be led via four-time Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu at the Games.
"Manav is the most experienced shooter we have. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. I consider him one of the best. Shreyasi Singh too is shooting well in trap. Plus, I believe Angad (Vir Singh Bajwa) in double trap has a good chance," Sodhi analysed.
However, it's India's rifle and pistol shooters who have been extra consistent with regards to successful medals. But with team occasions dropped for this edition of the Games, the problem will become a harder one for India.
Teenagers like CWG champions Anish Bhanwala and Manu Bhaker, at the side of ISSF Junior World Cup gold-medallist Elavenil Valarivan, will lift India's hopes on their younger shoulders towards quality shooters from China, Korea and Japan.
"In rifle and pistol events, young shooters do well. But that generally doesn't happen in shotgun, in which the shooters peak around 25 years of age," Sodhi defined.
"The federation (National Rifle Association of India) started the junior programme three years ago. It didn't exist when we were juniors. That has benefited the sport a lot. The juniors are getting the same exposure as seniors and therefore putting up exceptional performances."
"The same is true for China, where young rifle and pistol shooters are doing exceptionally well," he added highlighting the stiff festival.
Besides Manav, giving those youngsters corporate as experienced colleagues and mentors would be the likes of Sanjeev Rajput, Heena Sidhu and Rahi Sarnobat among the 28-member contingent.
Jitu Rai, then again, neglected out this time.
But shotgun is one self-discipline the place India have not performed really well persistently. However, 2010 Asiad gold-medallist Ronjan Sodhi believes with regards to the Asian Games, the shotgun shooters are always going to be in business.
Double-trap champion from the Guangzhou Games, Sodhi is without doubt one of the best Indian voices who is aware of the sport inside out, especially with regards to entice occasions.
"In rifle and pistol shooting, Asiad is the real test when we compare the field to the Commonwealth Games. But in the case of shotgun, it's the opposite," Sodhi said talking to TOI Sports.
"Remember, China has not done well of late in trap; and if you ask me, double trap is a sure-shot medal prospect," he added.
India's entice shooters shall be led via four-time Olympian Manavjit Singh Sandhu at the Games.
"Manav is the most experienced shooter we have. He knows what it takes to compete at the highest level. I consider him one of the best. Shreyasi Singh too is shooting well in trap. Plus, I believe Angad (Vir Singh Bajwa) in double trap has a good chance," Sodhi analysed.
However, it's India's rifle and pistol shooters who have been extra consistent with regards to successful medals. But with team occasions dropped for this edition of the Games, the problem will become a harder one for India.
Teenagers like CWG champions Anish Bhanwala and Manu Bhaker, at the side of ISSF Junior World Cup gold-medallist Elavenil Valarivan, will lift India's hopes on their younger shoulders towards quality shooters from China, Korea and Japan.
"In rifle and pistol events, young shooters do well. But that generally doesn't happen in shotgun, in which the shooters peak around 25 years of age," Sodhi defined.
"The federation (National Rifle Association of India) started the junior programme three years ago. It didn't exist when we were juniors. That has benefited the sport a lot. The juniors are getting the same exposure as seniors and therefore putting up exceptional performances."
"The same is true for China, where young rifle and pistol shooters are doing exceptionally well," he added highlighting the stiff festival.
Besides Manav, giving those youngsters corporate as experienced colleagues and mentors would be the likes of Sanjeev Rajput, Heena Sidhu and Rahi Sarnobat among the 28-member contingent.
Jitu Rai, then again, neglected out this time.
Expect shotgun shooters to do well at Asian Games: Sodhi
![Expect shotgun shooters to do well at Asian Games: Sodhi]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
August 16, 2018
Rating:
