The upcoming International Shooting World Cup in Delhi, the first international event for an Olympic sport in India amid the COVID-19 epidemic, could be a benchmark for other countries, National Rifle Association of India President Raninder Singh said on Wednesday. The tournament was held on Saturday by Drs. Karni Singh will start at the shooting range. During the pre-tournament press conference, Singh said that this is the first international sports event in India after COVID and we can set an example for other countries, under which they can learn from here. .
“The whole Olympic sports world will have its eyes on us and so is a big responsibility.
“Thankfully the Government of India, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and the Sports Authority of India have all performed brilliantly in the most trying times and have supported us wholeheartedly in the NRAI, which has boosted our confidence.
Singh said, “We are indebted to him for his support and hope that it will set a benchmark for other countries. This united effort of Team India is sure to deliver a successful World Cup.”
Last month, the NRAI announced a 57-member Indian team for the first joint ISSF World Cup of the year for rifle, pistol and shotgun shooters, including 15 quota holders for the Tokyo Olympics.
The head of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) also hoped that the country could increase the number of quota holders in the upcoming tournament. Although not a quota holder, Anish Bhanwala, who competed in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol, has a good chance of making the cut for his high ranking. The gold medal in the tournament will definitely earn him a Tokyo berth.
“We wish everyone the best and in particular, our men’s rapid fire pistol team, which is an opportunity to give the country the 16th Olympic quota,” he said.
The Delhi World Cup will be the first time 30 finals have been played on the stage of the ISSF World Cup, with new team formats approved by the global team last year.
“All COVID protocols and security measures have been put in place and we are all looking forward to some exciting matches, with many world class and veteran shooters against our Indian stars.
“It has been a very difficult time for our athletes, as there was almost no competition to speak for almost a year, but we believe they are professional and the best in the world, so will come back strong.”
Each section will have three shooters and two more in the MQS (minimum qualification score) category. 53 countries have confirmed their entries, including Korea, Singapore, USA, United Kingdom, Iran, Ukraine, France, Hungary, Italy, Thailand and Turkey.
A total of 294 athletes, including a 57-member Indian contingent, will be seen posting anti-pandemic lockdowns at any place in the world at the first multi-nation Olympic sporting event of this scale.
As per International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) guidelines, no spectators will be allowed to go within the limits for the tournament awarding ranking points, allowing shooters like Bhanwala to secure an Olympic quota.
“It is not allowed to keep the audience due to social distinction norms and keeping in mind the health interests of athletes.”
Shooters participating in the tournament must undergo three COVID-19 trials, 24 hours before their first competition and finally before departing for their respective destinations.
As part of the SOP, all officers / media will be tested, wearing masks is mandatory and temperature checks at entry points. There will be isolation rooms and regular cleaning will be done.
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The first qualifying round of the tournament starts on Friday, with the first finals on Saturday.
The event was attended by many members of the Indian shooting squad and youth like Sanjeev Rajput and Tejaswini Sawant as well as Manu Bhaker, saying that the lockdown was beneficial for them in a way as they got time to do aspects like strength and skill. Focus on what they previously lacked due to back-to-back competitions.
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