India, Dec. 27 -- The Karni Singh Shooting Range here is teeming with shooters, parents and their coaches. The 68th National Shooting Championships (pistol and shotgun) is in full swing, while the competition for rifle shooters is taking place in Bhopal.

This year, more than 16,000 shooters are participating across the three categories of rifle, pistol and shotgun disciplines, with events running through the entire month up to the first week of January. The most fascinating part is the sheer number of top shooters turning up for the Nationals despite the hectic season that has gone by, not only bringing high-level competition to the field but also positively encouraging the younger lot.

From Olympic medallists Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Ku...