Young guns set sights on World Cup Finals
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 yearending 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 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 Rio Olympics , Indian shooters seem to be on the right track.
NEW DELHI:
NATIONS will take part. The meet is next only to World Championships in the annual calendar.
World Cup Finals is the concluding part of the three World Cup series held annually. The best shooters in rifle, pistol and shotgun compete in the year-ending event.
Top eight shooters qualify for the event. Two from a nation can enter in an event. If a top shooter is absent for an event, the next in the ranking will come in.
Wildcards are given to defending champions and Olympic and World Championships medal winners.
In non-Olympic/ World Championships year, only top shooters are invited to compete. SHOOTERS will match their skills in the five-day meet to be held in the Capital. Ravi Kumar 10m air rifle Jitu Rai 10m air pistol & 50m free pistol Amanpreet Singh 50m free pistol MEMBER Indian squad will take part, including Ankur Mittal, world No 1 in double trap. Pooja Ghatkar 10m air rifle Jitu Rai and Heena Sidhu 10m air pistol mixed team event Sangram Dahiya, Shapath Bharadwaj (all double trap) Deepak Kumar and Meghana Sajjana 10m air rifle mixed team event
ANKUR MITTAL