SHOOTERS AT EASE AFTER IOC QUOTA VERDICT

NEWDELHI:A fundamental principle of competitive shooting taught to a beginner is to erase the memory of a bad shot quickly and focus on the next attempt.

The principle was applied by top shooters when they came to know about the ‘scraping of quota places’ from the World Cup, starting here Saturday. On Thursday, ISSF president Vladimir Lesin announced the event will no longer be an Olympic qualifying tournament because two shooters from Pakistan were refused visa. On the principle of non discrimination as per the Olympic Charter, a decision had been taken to minus Olympic berths from the event. However, IOC later deleted only two of the 16 berths, which was welcomed by the relieved shooters.

On Friday, competitors heaved a sigh of relief after only two quota places in men’s 25m rapid fire pistol were deleted which will be added to the Beijing World Cup in April.

On the eve of the competition, shooters at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges were enjoying the pleasant Delhi weather here. “If I say I wasn’t disappointed I would be lying. There was a bit of sinking feeling when all of us heard that ‘no quota place’ but then regained composure thinking this is not the end,” India’s Ravi Kumar, a 10m air rifle competitor, said, adding the feel good factor has returned.

Abhishek Verma, Asian Games bronze medallist in 10m air pistol, was also smiling broadly after his training session. “I believe everyone here is looking forward to an exciting start,” he said.

The World Cup minus Olympic berth would have lost its charm, he added.

Germany’s Christian Reitz, Rio Olympics champion in 25m rapid fire, was one of the competitors affected by the IOC ruling. But he too seemed focused on the job at hand rather than brood. He was having fun with teammates after his training session and disclosed his plan.

“Buddy, I have a backup plan. I am also taking part in 10m air pistol. Do come to cheer me as I hope to win quota in this event,” he said with an air of confidence.