Manavjit keeps family tradition alive

“I need more consistency, and with some luck, will try to win a medal in the Sydney Olympics,” Manavjit says. Of course, Manav has to first qualify for the 2000 games, but he is confident of that. “We have been working hard and there are some events coming up (Olympic qualifiers in Finland and World Championships in Italy). Let’s see how things materialise,” he feels.

Manav paired with Mansher to win gold in trap in the Commonwealth Games and the silver in the Asian Games came with Mansher and Zorawar Singh. He had earlier won a silver in the Asian Shooting Championships (Jakarta ’95), where he shot 50 out of 50 in a round. Then followed a gold and a silver in the SAAF Games in Chennai (’95). Clay pigeon and trap are his pet events and the talented youngster is undergoing training from the Italian coach, Dradi. “He has been of immense help and we keep on working on latest techniques and theories. He keeps an eye on our performance and weaknesses in meets and then we discuss all aspects,” he says.

Manav has been adopted by the Sports Authority of India’s scheme and can train and participate in events with their sponsorships. “Shooting as a game has really picked up after Jaspal Rana started winning big medals. We have good infrastructure and with the support we look for, shooting can fetch India a medal at Sydney. The Sydney Olympics are not very far and we have to peak at the right time. We stand a chance,” he says.

Manav is fond of wild life, with special liking for fishing. Photography is his other hobby. “But all this when I am not shooting. I am so much into my sport, that there is hardly any time for other things,” Manav admits.