Jaspal Rana was our saving grace

Jaspal Rana's re-emergence could not have come at a better time for India

History had to repeat itself at some point. And what better stage than the Asian Games to break a 12-year jinx! Jaspal Rana couldn’t have envisioned a better moment to remind the world, and perhaps himself, that he still exists. His golden hat-trick not only came as a lifeline for him; it also helped save the reputation of Indian shooters at the Doha Games.

Three gold, five silver, and six bronze medals definitely come across as a big solace for the Indian shooting contingent — though one was definitely hoping for a much bigger haul. The Indians looked nervous at the range, and things particularly looked gloomy after the dismal outings of current world champion Manavjit Singh, 2004 Olympic silver medallist Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore and hero of the 2006 Commonwealth Games, Samresh Jung. Had it not been for Rana’s three gold medals, it could have been a big embarrassment.

Abhinav Bindra, who skipped the Doha Games because of an injury, was sorely missed in the 10m Air Rifle event. The 23-year-old world champion’s absence was noticed by the Chinese, who have in their ranks the current Olympic champion and runner-up in 10m Air Rifle. After the event was over, the Chinese coach said they were not very convinced with their Asian Games gold because their shooter had won it in the absence of Bindra. It was certainly a huge tribute from the Chinese, adding to the perception that Indian shooters are now rated amongst the best in the business.

However, there are lessons to be learnt. Leaving out Rana’s gold in the 25m Standard Pistol event, his other two gold medals came in Centre Fire (individual and team events), which is a non-Olympic event. It narrows down the choice for India shooters for the 2008 Beijing Games. For the Olympics, the medal contenders in shooting are expected to be from the same lot — Manavjit, Rathore, Jung, Bindra, Gagan Narang and, maybe now, Rana.

The Doha performance raises doubt whether they can handle the pressure of performing against the Chinese and other top shooters in Beijing. Bindra, however, feels there is no real reason to panic. What’s crucial, he says, is that Indian shooters have been consistent in all the major tournaments this year. “We need to be patient. This has been our best performance at the Asian Games. We have won medals at every world level event this year,” he says.

There are some hurdles too. The attitude of the Sports Ministry, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the corporate houses has to change. Rana, soon after the end of the shooting events, didn’t forget to take a swipe at the officials, lambasting their ‘unimaginative’ camps. A top shooter like Bindra needs around Rs 1.5 crore a year on training, travelling and ammunition. Bindra has won the country’s highest sporting award, the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, and a world title but till date no corporate house has come forward to sponsor him. “I somehow manage from whatever support I get from the govt and Mittal Champions Trust,” rues Bindra.

There are many more like Bindra who have the same tale to tell. But does anyone care?