JAPA 2015 Finally HAPPENED!!!
WILL IT or WON’T IT…the thought that lurked in everyone’s mind was finally
“SHOT TO SMITHEREENS” when 0.177, 0.22, 0.25 & 0.30 pellets flew bucking gravity to strike on targets 30, 40, 50 & 70 yards away!!!
Sunday 18th January 2015 dawned like any other day….to those covered in blankets & stayed at home recovering from parties & get-togethers the previous evening!
But for those spirited lot of IFGians headed for JAPA was a different story altogether….
When around 10am the cars loaded with enthusiastic IFGians & their families pulled up at the Japaloupe grounds the sounds & sights that greeted us was truly euphoric!!!
Children aged 6 to 16 astride their equine mounts were trotting around, while the grandmaster ‘Rohan’ was gently shouting – Chin Up, Keep the back straight, Go easy on the reins….as the hoofs pounded the earth with a staccato beat resembling the soft beat of jungle drums!!!
The air was crisp & cool while a light breeze wafted the heady aroma of burned wood all around…probably the remnants of a camp fire from the previous night, raising our spirits in anticipation of the event that were soon to follow.
The greetings among fellow IFGians was a sight to behold…firm handshakes, bear hugs, back slaps & what have you!!!!
Precisely at 11am the tables were set, the targets were mounted, guns got unpacked & handled with care and their breeches got loaded & what followed was a
“SYNCOPATED SYMPHONY” of Thawks & Sputs often peppered with the “Sonic Blasts” from high end PCPs!!!!
It was a sight of delight to see sons & grandsons if IFGians taking up to the shooting sport in a big way…as most of them were hitting targets at 40 & 50 yards with ease!!!!
Another interesting feature was that ‘Precihole’s springer & gas ram fitted ARs outnumbered the well-known foreign made ARs!!!
The most notable happening during this memorable event was the gracious presence of our ‘Renowned Shooter” & Guru “HVJ1!!!! Clad in corduroy jeans, a shooters vest, his crown capped with a sober felt hat & a Rayban that shaded his vision as he walked in with a gait that reminded me of the character “James Green” aka “Sudden” penned by the inimitable Oliver Strange in his memorable western series!!!
Ideas, innovative thoughts, anecdotes, tips on accurate shooting & safety were exchanged, a refresher for the die-hards and education for the newbies added to the proceedings of the day.
The NAGRI T-Shirts worn by Yours Truly & Essdee sparked a lot of interest & enthusiasm among all present…
After a sumptuous lunch the students of Japa’s Riding Academy put up a thrilling show riding their steeds…a display of trotting, cantering & shuffling much to the delight of all present!!!!
Well…all that began well ended well, that set everyone’s body & mind at peace!!!
JAPA 2015 – Happened & ended on a happy note!!!
L-R Briha, Ankesh, His wife, Rudra (Briha's Grandson)
Newbie RAHUL peeking thro' Briha's NX100
Japa Riding Kids Show Riding
Pramod Sid getting the best of his crosshairs on target
Doc. Shirsat putting a haytack to best use!!!
Briha's grandson 'Rudra' about to topple a flipper at 50 yards!
Essdee re-sighting his NX100 to 70 yards!!!!
Fantumfan all smiles after scoring repeated bullseye!!!!
A great word of appreciation & thanks to Kshitij, Ankesh & Dr. Shirsat for their contribution in terms of targets (animal, static, flippers etc)
Stay tuned for the follow up post with more pics taken at JAPA!!!
Briha