Narang, OGQ announce talent search programme

Pune, July 18 (IANS) Gagan Narang Sports Promotion Foundation (GNSPF) on Tuesday announced a long-term association with Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) to identify and train young shooting talent in the country.

Named Project Leap, the first leg of the ambitious programme -- a rifle camp held here -- concluded earlier this week.

Project Leap began by first selecting 23 young shooters from different parts of the country out of a total of 57 shortlisted shooters.

Comprehensive and scientific selection trials involving physical, meta-cognitive and technical skills were evaluated before 12 children from Pune, three from Hyderabad and Secunderabad, two from Jabalpur and one each from Mumbai, Bhubaneshwar and Gujarat were selected. The list included 12 girls and 11 boys.

Mahima Agarwal from Jabalpur and Elanevil of Gujarat, incidentally, are already part of the national junior team and represented India at the recently concluded Junior World Championships in Suhl, Germany.

The 12 chosen ones in the Air Rifle Category were then invited to an elite junior excellence camp here which was conducted by ace Slovakian coach Anton Belak and Narang himself.

The other 11 in the Air Pistol category are currently undergoing training in Pune under South Korean coach Kim Seonil.

"I am happy that we were able to realise our long-term vision with the help of OGQ not only through funding but going much deeper into sport science, nutrition and recovery, which are very important aspects for Junior shooters. OGQ supported me at a time when it was really required," Narang said in a statement.

He added, "This association further strengthens my belief in OGQ which goes beyond just financial help into taking care of the emotional wellbeing and eco-system around the athlete. I want the younger generation to get the same kind of support going forward into Vision 2024 and beyond."