Young guns all set to deliver goods in the World Cup Final
October 23, 2017
Rifle shooter Pooja Ghatkar is geared up for the World Cup Final that begins on Tuesday.
“I will use every bit of energy at the World Cup Final,’’ she told Hindustan Times after her training session on Sunday.
Pooja, making her debut in the Final, isn’t alone thinking on those lines. The entire 10-member national team participating in the global event, starting here at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges from Monday, is looking forward to the big platform.
Most of the Indian shooters are making their debut in the year-ending global competition where top eight shooters in their respective events are invited to showcase their talent. Besides the top eight, reigning Olympic champion and world champion are also invited to compete.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) believes youngsters like Meghana Sajjanar and teenage shotgun shooter Shapath Bhardwaj are the future of the country.
“It augurs well for the future. With home advantage on their side, we expect a good show from all of them,’’ said NRAI president Raninder Singh.
After firing blank at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games, Indian shooters seem to be on the right track. “The fact that 10 shooters have qualified for this prestigious event shows that things are going in the right direction,’’ he said.
Ace pistol shooter Heena Sindhu, who is participating in the 10m air pistol mixed team event, termed this event ‘Mini Olympics’.
“The environment is excellent. Competing against the top is invaluable experience. It will certainly pay off when you actually compete in the Olympic Games,’’ she said during an interaction.
Meanwhile, India will also host the World Cup in February 2019, which will be a qualifying event for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. “There will be 64 quota places. We hope our shooters will take home advantage to earn Olympic berth,’’ said NRAI president.
