Bindra, Narang & Sodhi amongst Top 10; So, what’s next?

After world record breaking performances in recent World Cup finals, Gagan Narang has moved up three places in the men’s 10m air rifle to be sixth in the latest world rankings issued by the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF).

Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra, who has not played a competition after the Beijing Olympics, managed to cling to his second spot while Chinese shooter and Beijing Olympics silver medallist, Zhu Qinan retained the number one spot.

Meanwhile, Ronjan Sodhi, who briefly occupied number one spot in the men’s double trap event after winning the World Cup in Belgrade in June with a world record equalling score, holds the 10th spot.

So what’s next for these shooting champs?

Gagan Narang on his plans:
“I am satisfied with notching up a few places in the latest world rankings and will try and do the same in the other two events (50m three positions, prone) as well. I will now target to break into the top 3 bracket through the World Cups in 2009, I am going to take the 10m air rifle event a little easy now and work harder on the 50m three position and prone events for a year.”

Abhinav Bindra on what’s keeping him busy:
“I have come out with a book which will help shooters train better and get a wealth of knowledge. I am also working on ways to make air-rifles more accessible to the public so that younger kids are attracted towards the sport.”

“We have plans to open schools across the country. The schools will have good sports facilities and world class technical know-how so that strong foundations are laid. This will help promote sports culture among kids apart from the regular curriculum of education.”

“I have never discussed my targets with the media and would like to keep it that ways, but whatever I do, I will do with full commitment and dedication.”

Ronjan Sodhi is back to practicing for the National Shooting Championships at the Jagatpura shooting range. Sodhi feels that shooting in India still has a long way to go.

“The Olympic gold will do wonders for Abhinav personally but what good it has done to shooting in India as such?” asks Sodhi.

“Ordinary shooters still have to beg and borrow for the guns and cartridges.”

“You have a world class range at Jagatpura but it’s unlocked for us only now. I feel that all ranges should have guns and pellets for upcoming shooters. This would broaden the base of shooting in country. The facilities are not being utilised properly.”