Goldfinger: Samaresh Jung (Photo indianshooting.com)

19 July 2009. Samaresh Jung earned the sobriquet of ‘Goldfinger’ after he shot down seven medals --- five of them gold --- at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. With New Delhi all set to host the mega-event next year, expectations from the pistol marksman on his home turf are sky high, but the bespectacled 39-year-old is rather luke warm about it all, He told us why from the national camp in Pune.

You must be hoping for an encore at next year’s Commonwealth Games… what’s the kind of pressure you are feeling at this moment?

Some pressure is always good. It keeps you motivated. A couple of shooters down the ladder are doing well…all of them want to catch up with me. And, I want to push myself hard to stay ahead.

Peaking at the right time is important. In your case, how much time does it take to peak?

I can’t say how long I take to attain peak form. I need to work with a coach, Sadly, I don’t have one.

Which means there is no expert or coach at the national camp on whom you can rely?

Certainly not! I am following my own training plan at the camp. It’s on a hit-and-trial basis at the moment.

So you are not following a proper programme?

There’s no concrete plan. Everything is jumbled up. Since there is no expert or coach attached with the camp, training is not going on expected lines. I can say the progress is slow.

Are you satisfied with the facilities in the national camp?

No. There is no scientific backup and support staff. Things haven’t improved. The range in Pune is very good but that alone won’t fetch us medals. Other important components like expert coaches are missing in the camps. Without scientific backup, winning laurels in global competitions is next to impossible.

Are you are looking for a personal coach?

The process is on. But it’s not that easy to find a good coach. And then there is the money factor. It's not easy.

What is your immediate target?

The upcoming Asian Air Gun Championship later this year. I have also set my sights on the Commonwealth Championship early next year. Both the tournaments will give me a clear picture of my form.

Which Commonwealth countries have good shooters in its rank?

During the 2010 games, we may face stiff challenge from England and Australia. Apart from Australia and England, there are couple small nations whose individual shooters can spoil our party.

During training which events you generally focus on?

I generally focus on the 50m free pistol event. I am equally good in the 10m air pistol. In other pistol events including rapid fire, standard pistol and centre fire, I devote less time.

You must have set some goals for the 2010 games?

Oh! Yeah. In free pistol event, my aim is to achieve over 565. And, in air I want to shoot more than 585.

What’s your best scores this year in the above two events?

In free pistol I shot 561 and in air pistol 580. I am pretty close to what I want to achieve.

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