Newest gun on the range makes a mark

Just five months into his shooting career, 14-year-old skeet shooter selected for junior squad.

Standing just 5'2" Ananjeet Singh Naruka was the shortest in the line-up of six skeet shooters at the recently concluded trial event for the upcoming shotgun junior World Cup at Mexico. It wasn't just his competitors who dwarfed him. Naruka was puny even in comparison to his four foot long Beretta shotgun which when standing on end, reached his chest.

Any doubts to his ability only lasted until the moment, Naruka mounted the gun against his shoulder. The 14-year-old was a delight to watch as he beautifully judged the fast moving target and killed the clay pigeon. The technique was aesthetic and also effective. Only five months into his career, the Rajasthan shooter claimed a bronze in his very first Nationals participation last month with a score of 108. Further, at the trials at the Karni Singh shooting ranges last week, he shot 102 and 103 to finish second and earn a spot in India's junior skeet team scheduled to take part in the World Cup.

The feeling of his maiden achievement had not even sunk in fully when studies played a spoilsport. With his ninth standard exams clashing with the World Cup in March dates, Naruka weighed the options before deciding to take the exams. "I was feeling very upbeat about the challenge but exams became the hurdle. This is also a challenge and once I take my exams, I will start training in April for the next world cup, in Germany," says Naruka who excels in studies as well, having scored 92% in his class eight exam.

Unlike his senior India shooters who spend hours every day to perfect their skill, Naruka is usually at school. Getting back too late to practice, the youngster only gets to practice on weekends. Naruka is coached by his father Dalpat Singh who while still competing finished a distant 94th at the nationals this year. "I sometimes feel that the practice isn't enough but with my father my coach, he ensures that I shoot enough rounds on weekends so that I constantly improve my technique. It is only before a major competition that I practice for the entire week," he says.

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