Sunny Thomas, who served as the national coach of the Indian shooting team for close to two decades, feels "nobody" can now deny the country's shooters the accolades they deserve for their past achievements and assistance they require to achieve their future goals.
The run that started at the turn of the century with the Manchester Commonwealth Games saw India win four medals, including a historic gold, in the last three Olympic Games through shooting.
Thomas was around as Indian shooters called the shots on the world stage, winning bagful of medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and the Olympics. He was also there when they were doing the same at the World Championships, World Cups and other continental tournaments.
"If you look at the results I think they (shooters) have done very well and nobody would like to say no to them now for whatever they require. Be it the Sports Authority of India or the Sports Ministry, they have been very helpful, and they will continue to support," the affable Keralite said.
He added, "They deserve the appreciation. Now, we should train each shooter as per her or his individual needs. Everyone is different, and they have to be guided in the right manner and in the right direction."
Thomas quit his job as coach when he offered his resignation to the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) in 2012. He was then appointed as life vice-president of the national federation, as he always wanted to be actively involved with the sport.
Thomas was at the helm when Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore brought home a silver medal in double trap in the 2004 Athens Olympics and rifle ace Abhinav Bindra did one better in the next Games in Beijing, winning a historic gold.
Vijay Kumar (25m rapid fire) and Gagan Narang (10m air rifle) capped off Thomas' journey on a good note, winning a silver and a bronze, respectively at the 2012 London Games.
