Do not expect much from pistol shooter at CWG: Jung

A dejected Samresh Jung says he will not be able to repeat his Melbourne Commonwealth Games' astonishing shooting feat at home in October as he is under-prepared in the absence of a regular coach.

Jung had won five gold, one silver and a bronze medal at the 2006 Melbourne Games and was adjudged "Best Athlete of the 18th Commonwealth Games". Jung, who was in contention in eight events in the previous edition, said he will not be able to compete in more than seven events this year due to lack of preparations.

Dubbed 'goldfinger', Jung said not only he but other Indian pistol shooters are also under-trained as they are without a coach since 2008 Beijing Olympics Games.

"I don't think that I will be able to repeat the Melbourne feat. The main reason is that I will not be participating in eight events. Plus last time we had a coach and were better prepared. The absence of coach and training facilities will affect our performance for sure," Samresh told PTI Bhasha.

"I have enough international experience which is helping me in individual preparation. But we badly need a coach. It's just not possible to give your best shot without any guidance," he added.

Between the 2006 Games and now, he has only two yellow medals in his kitty which he won at the Commonwealth Shooting Championships this year.

Czaba Gyorik's contract wasn't renewed after the Beijing Olympics and the NRAI couldn't get a coach after that. Sports minister MS Gill himself gave an assurance to Pistol shooters but the status quo remained.

Last month the ministry had offered renowned Russian coach Alexander Melentiev a contract only till the 2010 Asian Games.

But the Russian has reportedly refused the short term offer and hence the Indian pistol team will be without a coach till the Asian Games in Guangzhou, China, in November.

Jung said India wilL not be able to exploit the home advantage due to non-availability of Karni Singh range.

"We don't have the venue for the practice yet. All the training we get is during camps in Pune. Karni Singh range will be available only after the opening of Games village.
Naturally we won't be able to have the home advantage."

He also refused to predict about medals in CWG before the team selection.

"We have selection trials at the end of this month, and then only I will be able to predict anything. I hope that Indian shooters will do their best. It's like T20 match. One who performs on the big day, wins. The past record doesn't count here," Jung signed off