Indian Shooting Community Calls for Junior Program Reintegration

Renowned figures in Indian shooting, including Raninder Singh and Jaspal Rana, have urged the return of the junior shooting program to the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). They criticize the Khelo India project for its limited success, warning of potential setbacks for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Renowned figures in Indian shooting, including Raninder Singh and Jaspal Rana, have called for the reinstatement of the junior shooting program under the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). They express concerns over the Khelo India project's inefficacy, warning it might hinder preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

The NRAI's previously successful junior program was scrapped to accommodate the government-run Khelo India Games. Shooters like double Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker have flourished under the NRAI, but experts fear future prospects, including the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics, could be compromised if control isn't returned to the federation.

According to Raninder, currently no significant successes are emerging from Khelo India, either nationally or internationally. Former NRAI president and ISSF vice president elucidated the importance of structured training for potential athletes. Meanwhile, Jaspal Rana highlighted the need for sustainable development over short-term achievements and suggested utilizing experienced individuals like Abhinav Bindra for program management.

(With inputs from agencies.)