Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) With the refurbished Karni Singh Shooting Range set to produce high scores with its unrestricted views and lush green surroundings, the Indian shotgun shooters feel the fight for medals at the Oct 3-14 Commonwealth Games here would be tough.

Double trap shooter Ronjan Sodhi, a world No.3, told IANS that the shotgun range has a clear view and that makes sighting of the clay birds easier in the competition.

“It is certainly going to be a tough competition for us because it will be a high-scoring event. We have a clear view at the shotgun range, with lot of greenery in the background, and that will help the shooters to spot the clay birds easily,” said Sodhi, a world record holder.

He said it would not be easy for India to repeat their feat of winning 74 medals as they did in the Commonwealth Shooting Championships earlier this year.

“This time we will face some tough fight from the British and Australian shooters. All the teams are at their full strength, so it won’t be easy for us. But we are ready for it,” he said.

Sodhi also pointed out that the range had undergone several minor changes since the test event, and is one of the world’s best. The venue, overlooking the Aravalli ranges, was the first stadium to host a test event for the Commonwealth Games.

The heavy green cover has added to the beauty of the range, which was built for the 1982 Asian Games.

Junior world champion double trap shooter Asher Noria, while demonstrating his skills at the refurbished range, said clear visibility at the open range will be an advantage for the shooters.

“I feel the range for the trap, double trap and skeet is one of the best in the world. There were some small bushes in the range and they were hindering a clear vision of the clay birds. But now they have been cut and we have a clear view and it becomes easier for us. The percentage of missed chances will come down and it will be a high scoring event,” said Noria.

Trap shooter Mansher Singh, the first Indian marksman to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, said the presence of Australian duo Michael Diamond and Adam Vella would spice up the contest.

World no. 8 Diamond is a two time Olympic champion (1996, 2000), while world no. 5 Vella is 2004 Athens Games silver medallist.

“Vella and Diamond are world class shooters. But we have also done well consistently. Manavjit (Sandhu) is also in good form. It will be a tough contest in the trap event,” said Mansher.