Jung says there is no career in shooting

Shooting may be a rare sport in which India can hope for a medal at the Beijing Olympicsm but ace shooter Samresh Jung is disgruntled with the state of the sport in the country.

Shooting may be a rare sport in which India can hope for a medal at the Beijing Olympicsm but ace shooter Samresh Jung is disgruntled with the state of the sport in the country.

“The infrastructure is not enough. China in 2005-06 commissioned 28 ranges in order to prepare their shooters for 2012 Olympics. They think so far ahead. Contrast this with India. We have just a couple of good ranges. I won’t even call them world class. In India, there is also shortages of ammunition. How are we supposed to win medals?” he asked.

Jung has qualified for the Beijing Olympics in air-pistol. “We need to have more equipment and effective programmes at the junior level,” he added.

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So haven’t things improved after the Athens Olympics where Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won silver medal in men’s double trap? “Well people say things have changed, but I can’t see any difference. Yes, in terms of media attention, it has improved. But where is the government support?” said Jung.

“As far as I am concerned, I will be happy if I get into the final of the Olympics (top 8),” he said.

Jung isn’t too optimistic about sponsors coming in too. “Shooting is not a spectator sport. I get bored myself watching someone else shoot. If a youngster comes to me today and asks whether he should do shooting or study, I will say study. There is no career in shooting,” he said.