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Aiming high

Shining star S.Ravi refuses to give up

PHOTO: M. MOORTHY

ON THE TARGET Concentrating hard

What started as a hobby turned into a passion for S. Ravi.

His love for the sport coupled with his dogged persistence helped him win a silver medal in Prone Position event at the highly competitive All India G.V. Mavlankar Big bore Shooting Championship last year.

Cherishable moment

Although Ravi secured a gold in the same championship in 3 Position event, more than a decade ago, which was also incidentally his first gold medal at National level competitions, he cherishes this silver medal winning performance the most, as the event mostly sees participation from Defence personnel and policemen.

Also the target is fixed at a distance of 300m. "Winning a medal there was something special for me and also in competition of such magnitude, a lapse in concentration, even for a short period can cost you dear. Another key aspect is to keep your cool even when things are not going your way," he says.

In a sport, which is all about hand and eye co-ordination, hitting the bull's eye is what matters.

To achieve that consistently, practice holds the key.

Since the ammunitions are quite costly, dry fire is the most preferred training method among shooters. Without loading the gun, the shooter aims at the target and fires imaginary bullets. This in one way also helps in improving concentration power.

Costly sport

"Shooting is a costly sport and the rifles are also expensive. It is up to the aspirants to equip themselves both mentally and financially," says Ravi.

Physical strength also plays a crucial role, as the weapon used in big bore events is quite heavy when compared to others.

"The event goes on for one hour and 15 minutes and shooting with this heavy-recoiling gun is not an easy task. It requires guts and stamina," says this employee of Ordnance Factory, Tiruchi (OFT).

A consistent performer at the All India Ordnance Factories shooting competitions, Ravi also won gold in prone event last year and a bronze in 3 position this year.

He is now gearing up for the State meet to be held in Madurai later this month.

"I am planning to participate in the pistol event, which is challenging and also gives more thrill. I am looking forward to the tournament," he says.

He also follows a strict practice schedule and works out at the gymnasium to improve physical fitness. "Practicing the sport regularly improves your concentration power automatically," he wraps up.

G.PRASAD

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