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Shooting stars?
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Meet R. Prithiviraj and R. Venkat Ram who are out to make a mark in the international arena
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Photo: R. Shivaji Rao
AIMING TO WIN R. Prithiviraj and R. Venkat Ram
They are two bright youngsters, both hugely talented shooters, all set to embark on a path-breaking journey. R. Prithiviraj and R. Venkat Ram are going to take part in an international shooting tournament in Suhl, Germany and later in the world championship in Zagreb, Croatia. They are currently the top two junior trap shooters in India.
While Prithiviraj is a student of Engineering at MIT Chromepet, the chirpy Venkat is pursuing a dual degree at the Vivekananda College. Only in academics have they followed different paths; in sport (the shotgun event), both are inseparable. "You will always see us together in any major competition," said the articulate Venkat.
Competing in Suhl is not new to them. "We were there last year too and it was an experience to remember, shooting in sub-zero conditions," said Venkat. Obviously getting adapted to extreme cold conditions, especially for those used to humid climes, is not easy.
"We finished in the top 15 last time but we feel we can do better if we reach there a few days before the event and get used to the weather. This is where the Government should step in and give us sanction to leave early," felt Venkat.
Who initiated them into the sport? For each of them it was their father. Ravikrishnan, Venkat's father, and Rajagopal, Prithiviraj's father and a former international competitor, were shooters themselves. Ravi in addition had taken upon himself to train Venkat and Prithiviraj and later when they were ready for specialised sessions, the parents decided to get the boys the best man available for the job — Italian Marcello Dradi, the man who was with the Indian team for long years and more important, had fine-tuned the double-trap champion Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, the lone Indian shooter to have won an Olympic medal.
Not an easy task
It is not easy to engage an outstanding international coach. "It is a huge expense," admitted the two, who keep going to Alfonine near Bologna in Italy for the expert's advice. "But in the end, we feel it is a great experience. It is difficult to pinpoint the areas where he improved our abilities. He did everything, right from developing a proper mental frame to handling of the gun and the stance," said Venkat.
Using guns made according to an individual's needs and at a cost of Rs. 3-5 lakh each makes shooting an expensive sport. Government assistance will go a long way in encouraging young talent to take to this sport.
The expenses incurred on training cannot be overlooked either. Venkat and Prithiraj said they had spent on an average Rs. 10,000 per day per person and that included the cost of ammunition and training at the Alamadi range near Red Hills during weekends.
But the two young men still felt that "it is not a sport for the elite alone. The Shooting Association, for instance, provides guns to the needy." While "an Olympic gold" is Venkat's dream, Prithivaraj is not so forthcoming; but clearly the two are resolute about achieving their goals. Venkat has an additional reason.
Channel his energy
A cricketer at school, Venkat chose to switch to shooting because it is an individual sport and because, he felt, it helped channel his energy on better lines.
From a hyperactive child to a patient and clear thinking youth now, he attributes the change to the unique preparatory exercises in shooting. Soon to leave for New Delhi for a coaching camp, the duo appears confident of making a mark.
S.R. SURYANARAYAN
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