Manchester: Despite a general slump in the form of the shooters, India's 20-member strong shooting contingent is expected to do the bulk of the medal shopping in the 17th Commonwealth Games beginning on Thursday.

Though most of the Indian shooters were far from impressive in the just-concluded World Championships in Lahti (Finland), they have traditionally done well in the Commonwealth Games and it remains to be seen if they can keep their reputation intact this time around.

The Indian shooters had returned with a decent haul of four gold, two silver and one bronze medal from the last Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur in 1998 and would be keen to improve their medals tally in this edition of the Games.

Ace pistol man Jaspal Rana will spearhead the Indian challenge while the highly talented young Abhinav Bindra, who has already made his presence felt in recent international events, would be another medal prospect in the competitions to be held at the National Shooting Centre

PTI