Indian shooters need sponsors: Anjali

Jalandhar, Apr 11 (UNI) Ace markswoman Anjali Bhagwat is confident that the juniors are being groomed on scientific lines and under a systematic planning, but said Indian shooters need sponsors to provide them the best of the equipments and facilities.

''The Indian junior girls are getting proper care under the supervision of qualified international coaches. They are getting good facilities for training and I am confident that Avneet Kaur Sidhu and Tejeswani are among the future hopes,'' said Anjali, who had donned India colours in Sydney and Athens olympics.

Thirty-six-year old Anjali, however, said that the corporate and industrial houses should be approached for sponsoring the shooters.

''Shooting does not have a good following among the spectators like cricket. This discipline requires backing from all, the government, the federation, corporate and business houses. Indian shooters have potential and they need modern training facilities, equipment, ammunitions and trained coaches to compete with the top shooters of the world,'' she said.

''The outstanding display given by our shooters in the recently concluded Commonwealth Games has created hype and we must cash on it. Besides the lack of facilities, Indian shooters are always worried about the ammunitions, which is imported by the Sports Authority of India. All shooters cannot afford to have enough ammunition at their disposal for practice due to lack of sponsors,'' said Anjali, who has participated in 22 World Cups and four World Cup finals from 2000 till date.

Anjali and Suma Shirur today arrived here to take part in the 4th Sardar Sajjan Singh Sethi Memorial Masters Shooting Championship at the Punjab Armed Police Shooting Range here.

Talking about the Doha Asian Games later this year, Anjali said ''it will be a different cup of tea. All top Asian shooters will be seen in action. Standard of Asian countries is very very high.

Especially Chinese shooters are tough and talented. Our aim is to win medals in the Asian Games.'' Speaking about how she was attracted by shooting, Anjali said ''as I was in NCC, I used to use guns. Slowly and steadily, I started competing and winning medals in the shooting championships.'' Anjali trains under Laszlo Szucsak and Indian team chief coach Sunny Thomas.

UNI XC DP PDS GC1913