IndianShooting Interview/Marcello Dradi

Bright future, but no cake walk in London games: Dradi

30 April 2009. The Italian shotgun expert (trap) Marcello Dradi, feels at home, when on Indian soil. His association with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the Indian shooters have been long. In fact, he had been responsible for improving the level of shotgun shooting in the country. One of his trainee--Manavjit Sandhu went on to win the men’s trap title in 2006 World Shooting Championships at Zagreb. Dradi oversees the national preparatory camp for the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with indianshooting.com

Photo: indianshooting.com

Your association with India has been long, how do you view the growth of shotgun shooting in the country?

I would say, Indian shooters have taken a big jump forward in the field. In 2002, the standards wasn’t as good as now. Some of the juniors are very promising, they have lots of potential. With proper training, they should make it big in the near future.

Which means India has a bright future in shotgun? What about the medal prospects in 2012 London games?

Certainly, yes! India has bright future in shotgun. But at this moment, cant say, if shooters will have podium finish at the London Olympics. At the world level, everybody is shooting for a medal. If something goes wrong, one has to wait for another four years. Take for example, the Russians have a strong tradition of shotgun, but weren’t very successful in Beijing games. But with a solid background of training, and some element of lucky on a big day, it does assure a medal.

You have a tag of “One of the best coaches in the World” ,what is your training theory?

I don’t like indiscipline. The message is very clear to all my trainees the world over.

What is your main focus in the camp?

The main focus remains 2010 games, but shooters will participate in the upcoming series of World Cups. I have given a detail programme to the federation. There are some teething problems, but hope things will improve.

Tell us something about your annual plan for a top shooter who is preparing for a world tourney?

Annually, on an average a top shooter shoots 40,000-60,000 cartridges. Depending on the temperament of individual. Some shooters fall in the lower category while some have high volume of training. I know a shooter who shot only 16,000 cartridges, but still excelled at the global level.

At what age shotgun training should commence for budding shooters?

Too early is bad, but exceptions are always there. In Italy, we start at 14. That’s the best age to begin training. Initially, it should be fun, but gets harder with each passing year. Also, training should be not at the expense of education. There are also schools (read academies) for shooting where youngsters come and avail the facilities.

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