New Delhi, 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 Kusale, world championships medallist Aishwary Pratap Tomar, Olympians Arjun Babuta and Vijayveer Sidhu, seasoned Anjum Moudgil and Rahi Sarnobat, to rising star Suruchi Phogat, everyone has assembled at the shooting Nationals. The atmosphere at the ranges is terrific, and upcoming shooters are fearlessly mingling with the champion shooters. Babuta calls it bouncing off ideas. "I really like the energy of young shooters. They have fresh ideas; they talk about new techniques. Engaging with them gives me a peek into their mindset. It really surprised me at the Nationals that so many shooters came to me and wanted to know about my experience," says Babuta. "It makes me feel good that they look up to me. It's a mutual sharing of ideas. Those who are in the team realise we have to be on our toes. The domestic competitions are tough and collectively we push each other to get better. At the end of the day, shooting is a sport where each one of us is following our individual process on the lane." Indian shooting has been on an upward curve since the Paris Olympics, which fetched three medals. The World Championships last month was India's most successful ever, with seven medals in Olympic disciplines. "The youngsters can learn so much from someone like Manu," says experienced Rahi. " With domestic competitions, selection trials and international tournaments, shooters need to find time to recover from the hectic schedule. They now have more clarity about how they want to approach the season, and year-long plans are made much ahead. "The Nationals were a training ground for me and I was just enjoying myself. I will gradually increase my intensity starting with the selection trials in February," says Babuta. For the youngsters, it is a chance to showcase their talent....