Gunning for glory: Indian shooters set for biggest test of season

DIVYA Deshmukh's World Cup exploits. The Indian women boxers' scintillating ring prowess during the World Championships in Liverpool. Harmanpreet & Co's pathbreaking World Cup win in Mumbai. The recent months have been prosperous in the Indian sporting landscape.

- ANMOL GURUNG @ Chennai

Now, the rifle and pistol shooters from the country are aiming to join the bandwagon as they'll be featuring in the World Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

Having finally put an end to Olympic hoodoo last year through Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, the shooters have been an elevated bunch this season. They were no slouches in the past too, having made a habit of being regular challengers for medals at World Cups and other key events. In a year where the Indian team think-tank largely focussed on training and building a strong base ahead of next Olympics, the shooters have ticked all the right boxes so far. With medals at World Cups and Asian Championships, they have continued to be a medal threat. "This year we focussed on training and building a larger base so that we can get a good pool of shooters heading to the Olympics and other key events like the Asian Games. We now don't rely on just the elite shooters, any individual," India rifle head coach Deepali Deshpande said.