Four-time Asian Games gold medallist shooter Jaspal Rana says "too much" is being expected from teenage prodigies like Manu Bhaker and Anish Bhanwala and they can surely do without the "unwanted" attention ahead of the Asian Games.
Bhaker is 16 and Bhanwala 15. They both hogged the limelight at the Commonwealth Games, winning gold in the 10m air pistol and 25m rapid fire pistol respectively.
While Bhanwala is training with the senior squad, Bhaker is in Bhopal with India's junior national coach Rana.
"Everyone is expecting too much from these kids. There is too much focus on them when it should be on the seniors. They are like any other 15-16 year olds. They are on social media and are bound to get affected by this kind of attention," an angry Rana told PTI.
"I am not saying that they cannot win medals at Asiad. But you have to remember that competition at Commonwealth Games is a lot easier than Asian Games. We have to deal with the Chinese in Asiad and they don't like losing," said the 42-year-old.
Rana, who is among the only four Indian shooters to have won a gold at Asiad. The other three are Randhir Singh, Jitu Rai and Ronjan Sodhi.
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Rana feels the bench strength at the junior level is strong but it is not the case at the senior level.
"Seniors should not depend on juniors. If we have 15-20 shooters of the same level in juniors, we should have the same quality at the highest level. These kids should be kept out of the limelight. I see them attending so many functions. That is the last they need at this stage," warned Rana.
Sixteen-year-old Saurabh Choudhary is another teenager in the pistol squad, having earned his spot ahead of established shooters like Jitu Rai.
"These young guns are a rare talent but they are not yet ready for the highest level. They have won gold medals in Junior World Cup but their scores are not enough for even a bronze at the senior level.
"They should be given ample time to hone their skills. CWG and Asian Games are important but your preparation has to be from Olympics to Olympics."
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