Rifle shooter Imran Hassan Khan’s Olympic quota, which he won at the Asian Shooting Championship recently, can rekindle London dreams of the likes of Rajyavardhan Rathore, Anisa Sayyed or Omkar Singh.According to the rules, the allocation earned can be exchanged for any other shooter in different category by the National Rifle Association of India.
Khan won the quota in men’s 3position event, but
he has tough competition in Gagan Narang and Sanjeev Rajput before he makes it to the Indian team for Olympics.
Rajput has a quota in 3position and Narang too is eligible for the event having earned a quota in 10m air rifle. Looking at the shooters’ past and current performances, Khan’s chances of getting into the team, ahead of these two shooters, are slim.
According to the rules, only two shooters from one country can compete in an event at the Olympics. In that case, Khan’s quota can be exchanged for any other event and can be given to another deserving shooter.
“According to the rules, one country can exchange any one quota if they want. Looking at the current situation, it may happen that Khan’s quota can be exchanged for any other shooter in a different category,” said national coach Sunny Thomas while talking to DNA.
“The decision will be taken when the selection committee meet on February 18 to pick the team for London,” Thomas added.
When asked if the quota can benefit Rathore, who lost his last chance to win a quota in Doha due to bad weather, Thomas said it could be any deserving candidate and the names will be discussed in the meeting.
“The National Shotgun Championship is scheduled to be held in Delhi from Saturday and the meeting will be after the championship. His (Rathore) performance in the championship will be considered. Not just Rathore, but if Khan’s quota is going to be exchanged, it can go to any deserving shooter in any category,” said the coach.
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