aresh Kumar, 20, aims his rifle at the target with a calm and sharp focus as he fires his first shot. Not satisfied with his performance, he steps back to sit in a corner, more determined this time, waiting for his next turn at shooting. “I practise three hours every day to perfect my techniques. My ultimate aim is to bring the Olympic gold for India,” says the young shooter who idolises Abhinav Bindra. Kumar. He was one of the many young shooters who participated in the district shooting team selection camp organised by Visakha District Rifle Association at YMCA on Sunday.
From Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver in Athens to Abhinav Bindra’s gold in Beijing, the Olympic glory that they won for India has not only put the sport of shooting on a different pedestal, it has also spurred renewed interest among youth towards the sport.
“The interest among the youth for shooting has been growing with each passing year. This year, there are candidates who have come here with a long-term vision of making it big in the sport. This is an encouraging sign,” says shooting coach Ch. Devadanam, general secretary of Visakha Rifle Shooting Association. The selection camp saw more than 25 participants from the age group of eight years to above 40 taking part with enthusiasm. It was held in four categories – sub-juniors (below 15 years), juniors (16-21 years), seniors (above 21 years) and women’s category.
For G. Rohit, a student of class 6, it was his first attempt at shooting. “I find the sport interesting and want to take it up seriously,” says the excited 10-year-old as he aims for the target.
Coach Ch. Devadanam feels that there is a lot of potential among the youngsters to reach greater heights in shooting. “But many people do not know that this sport is allowed for the civil sector. Our main motto is to spread awareness about shooting and tap the talent of the district. In fact, we had promising local talent from Visakhapatnam who won gold medal at the State level rifle shooting competition organised by School Games Federation,” he says. However, he says, the passion for the sport has certainly soared, but there some who enter the field eyeing the opportunity to secure admission in sports quota.
\“We have lost many talented shooters because of this,” he rues. After State bifurcation, Devadanam feels that chances of winning gold are higher and district level shooters can shine well. “In Hyderabad and Rangareddy district, there are many serious shooters. Hence, the competition used to be very tough. Now, it will be easier for shooters to make a mark at the district level,” he adds.
The interest among the youth for shooting has been growing with each passing year
Ch. Devadanam
General secretary of Visakha Rifle Shooting Association
