National Full-bore Captain Mahendra Persaud yesterday said that he hopes the next few weeks spent with Great Britain Shooting Coach Ian Shaw will help to improve their shooting techniques along with their performances on the world stage.
The seasoned marksman told Stabroek Sports during an interview yesterday that Shaw’s coming was a good sign for the rifle-shooting fraternity who will look to soak up the expert marksman’s advice and pointers.
Persaud explained that during the forthcoming weeks, the rifle association and its members will work closely with Shaw in a bid to technically correct their shooting which requires a bit of fine-tuning work as well as preparing themselves for the upcoming events.
Areas such as wind-reading, teamwork and strategy are some of the points Persaud confirmed will be keenly looked at when the team begins its field work with Shaw. He also pointed out that the team will be looking to defend its Long-Range title and regain the Short-Range title which they lost at the Paragon Rifle Ranges in Barbados last year. The loss of the Short Range title was the most disappointing for 2013 Persaud said, adding that the previous year was a good year for the association with regards to the club’s finance and success in local and overseas tournaments. The top marksman praised the commitment of the various sponsors who he noted threw their weight behind the association’s endeavours, allowing them to achieve what they set out to do and said that it was hoped that this year the continued support will still be available. The 2014 West Indian championship is set for May and Persaud believes that now is the ideal time for the shooters to learn from the overseas coach and get themselves prepared for the encounter as they look to retain the Short Range title.
Apart from the West Indies championships, Persaud said that 2014 was a “busy year” with activities such as shoots in the United States; the annual Bisley rifle shooting competition in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Games.
Persaud, who is also the national skipper, noted that lots of work will also be done locally at the ranges to further involve and encourage the marksmen.
Shaw will also be a part of the rifle association’s 2013 award ceremony which was to be held last month but is now confirmed for next week with the overseas coach handing over the awards.
Persaud also said that he wishes to encourage more persons, especially youngsters, to become members of the fraternity which he deems as “disciplined” and to help build on the crop of shooters who can represent the country in the future.
