Paris Olympics medallists Manu, Swapnil eye World C'ship success

Fresh challenge for big guns

- Avishek Roy

The year after the Olympics is no longer a quiet one. In the past, athletes could step back, reflect, and return to the sport refreshed.

But for India's shooting stars - Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale - it has been a rather hectic season, with the most important event, the World Championships, now set to take place in Cairo from November 6-18.

They have successfully crossed the first hurdle of making it to the Indian team, considering the high level of competition in domestic trials where every berth is intensely contested. Pistol shooter Sarabjot Singh, who was Manu's partner in winning mixed team bronze at Paris Olympics, couldn't find a place in the squad.

When it comes to domestic trials, Manu was actually never in a spot of bother and managed to maintain her place in the team comfortably throughout the season. She has qualified in both air pistol and sports pistol events for the World Championships.