Former Olympic Gold medalist Russell Mark believes Indian shooters have a realistic chance of shining in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics more than the 2016 Rio games.
Mark who is here as part of a special clinic from 13-19 September to train trap and double trap shooters, feels that winning an Olympic medal is a long process.
“Its about 6-8 year process for an Olympic medal, it’s not something that just happens. So realistically the country has a better shot at Tokyo and beyond it than compared to Rio” he said while talking to The Pioneer.
“Indian shooters may win more medals in Rio but in Tokyo and beyond it they will win even more.”
Russell said there are some very good shooters who have the prospect of shining for the country in Tokyo. Although he does not want to name them to put them under pressure.
He also feels the training and sporting education which is provided to the shooters is lot better now compared to his shooting days. Especially he is satisfied with the methods India is currently doing.
“They are identifying the right people to come and train them. Also identifying the right things to give to them like sports science. So it is great to see India do the things rest of the word is doing” he opined.
Mark is particularly impressed with the importance given to sports science as he feels it helps the athletes posture, fitness and diet.
“Its all part of being a very good shooter. This helps in dealing with things outside shooting” he said.
He feels due to the absence of some of the big powerhouses in shooting, India are able to do well in Commonwealth Games but are not able to match that level when they meet them in Olympics.
“United States, Russia, China, Italy, Spain and Portugal are the powerhouses in shooting.
These countries are not in commonwealth. In particular USA, China and Italy are the 3 biggest countries” he explained.
When asked among Abhinav Bindra (Beijing gold medalist), Gagan Narang (bronze in london games) and others who have qualified for Rio 2016, who has the best chance of winning the medals, Mark replied,”We have to wait till the Asian Championships conclude as this is where we get most of the qualification from. Anyone from there can go on and win it.”