The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has proposed an initiative under which the training and funding of promising shooters making the transition from junior to senior category will be taken care of.
Morad Ali Khan, former India shooter and member of the selection committee, said: "What was happening earlier was when the juniors were moving into seniors there were a large number of shooters who were little uncomfortable transiting from juniors to seniors. So, for a two-year period we are trying to put them into a separate category and give them all the funding that is required for training and they will be coached by the senior coaches also.
"That would make them comfortable and once they find that they are comfortable the next lot will come in. So it will be a continuous process. As of now it's 64 shooters but then events keep changing. There will be four shooters per event. This will be functional from next nationals," he added.
Talking about the programme, Pistol coach Jaspal Rana said: "That's very important because there are lot of kids who can't come to that senior level. For any sportspersons that one-two year can destroy their careers.
"They should be given all the facilities and whatever money is given should be accountable and they should monitor it. Because a lot of times now money is destroying players."
India delivered their best ever performance at the ISSF World Cup in Mexico, winning four gold, one silver and three bronze to top the medals tally for the first time.
After such a historic performance, the likes of Shahzar Rizvi and Manu Bhaker, who made their maiden World Cup appearances a memorable one by winning the gold medal in their respective pistol events, are hoping for more support.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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