Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition for Shooting Gets Underway at Delhi’s Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range

New Delhi, January 26, 2016: The Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition for Shooting got underway in a glittering opening ceremony held at the city’s Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range. Union Minister ShriRaoInderjit Singh (Chief Guest) declared the competition open in the presence of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) President Mr. Olegario Vazquez Rana, Prince JigyelUgyenWangchuk of Bhutan and the President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) ShriRaninder Singh along with other dignitaries, participating athletes and officials. A cultural programme showcasing India’s diversity was followed by dazzling fireworks lighting up the winter sky.

ShriInderjit Singh while declaring the competition open lauded the NRAI President in doing a commendable job to bring this huge event to India and having done the country proud.

The ISSF President, Mr. Olegario Vasquez Rana said, “I am happy to be here in this beautiful city of New Delhi and wish all participating shooters and the squads all the very best in the competition. I am proud of the progress made by the sport in Asia.”

The NRAI President Mr. Raninder Singh said, “We welcome all dignitaries and participating teams and officials for being here. On behalf of the federation and the country we feel honoured to host all of you.”

Tomorrow will be the first day of competition with the Trap qualifiers beginning at 10am. There are three finals in all on the first day with the first final scheduled for 12 noon. A total of 538 countries from 30 Asian countries will vie for the 35 Rio Olympic quota places up for grabs. February 2 will be the last day of competition