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
Regret won't be able to make it there now. Cancelled hotel bookings etc. following earlier declaration and chalked out alternate plans in the interim. Plus have other event at Thane scheduled till 1030 - so can't be there at Jap by 1000 anyway. You guys go ahead and have a blast. Will join y'all next time around. 
)
