The young should take up shooting as it improves concentration levels, schools & colleges can help out with separate points system, says ace shooter
By our Sports Reporter
GUWAHATI, Feb 8: Olympic medalist shooter Gagan rang is happy with the facilities at the shooting range in Guwahati but upset at the same time because of the poor turnout of trainees at the campus.
The ace shooter is in the city to take part in the South Asian Games in which he will be seen in action for the first time.
During a conversation with The Sentinel, rang said he is "really surprised" to see that the shooting range of Guwahati is so well maintained. "The shooting infrastructure in Guwahati is in very nice shape and the officials of the State association should get some credit for it. But at the same time, I am really upset to see that the infrastructure is not attracting shooters. I think the infrastructure is of no use without sufficient number of shooters," he said.
It is the second time that Gagan is visiting Guwahati. Earlier he was in the city to take part in the 33rd tiol Games hosted by Assam in 2007.
Sharing his thoughts on the current scerio of shooting in India, Gagan said, "It has changed a lot. The game is now more popular and the young generation is showing a lot of interest. But still a lot of work needs to be done, for which we need help from the government and other agencies."
"We have really good talents in the game. But you know shooting is a very costly game and it is really very difficult for many talented shooters to bear the expense. The government and other agencies should seriously think about the matter and try to provide necessary help to players as India is very much capable of producing stars in the game."
Gagan also felt that schools and colleges can play a part in giving a fillip to the game. "I am not saying that they (educatiol institutions) should provide funds to budding shooters… but they can introduce a separate point system which can help the students a lot," he said.
The ace shooter also advised children to associate themselves with the game as it helps improving the level of concentration.
On the availability of good coaches, Gagan said, "Right now we have a few good foreign coaches. At the same time, we are also producing good coaches in the country. You will feel good to know that some Indian coaches have been roped in by other countries."
Gagan will be part of the Indian contingent which will participate in the Rio Olympics. The event will be held in the later part of this year.
Commenting on his preparation for the big event, Gagan said, "It is going as per schedule. Every player nurtures a dream to win a medal at the Olympics. I had collected one and aiming to bag another one in Rio. I know it is not easy and lot of things depend on how you perform on that day. But I will try my best."
Gagan also hoped that he will be able to represent the country in one more Olympic.