Want to keep top shooters fresh for big events: NRAI

Indian shooters are busy building on the Paris Olympics success, finishing among the top three in three stages of ISSF World Cups this season.

- Avishek Roy

NEW DELHI: The World Championships later this year will be yet another test to prove themselves on the big stage.

The intense competition at home and a robust domestic structure means India shooting keeps producing prodigious talents. The latest is pistol shooter Suruchi Phogat, who has swept individual gold medals in all three World Cup legs.

While emerging talent are pushing the established names, top shooters who have the experience and can produce results in major competitions need to be managed well.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) president Kalikesh Singh Deo says the federation is working on a system to build two senior teams besides a junior side for a more focused, result-oriented approach. This will give ample time for the best of the lot to spread out their preparations.

"Our bench strength is strong and we have the best shooters on current form competing for India. We are trying to tweak the calendar and schedule in a way that our best shooters get ample scope to train and prepare for major competitions," Deo told HT.