Ministry's bungle may cost Rana Olympic berth

The big time bungle by the sports monistry may find ace shooter Jaspal Rana failing to make it to the Indian squad for the London Olympics.

Rana had requested the Sports Ministry through National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to clear his name at the earliest so that he could take part in the ongoing ISSF World Cup at Fort Benning in USA but the Ministry failed to do so in time.

Rana, whose name was finally cleared in the last batch on May 16, is now unwilling to travel across the globe at such short notice, as his event -- rapid fire pistol -- has been scheduled for May 20.

"This was my practically my last chance to qualify for the Olympics next year. It was long ago that I had sent my request to the Sports Ministry through NRAI to participate in the ongoing ISSR World Cup in the US. But I got clearance only on May 16 and my event is scheduled for May 20," said Rana.

When asked the reason for such a delay, the shooter said, "I think the Sports Ministry officials will be able to answer this better. I was told that since I wasn't a part of shooting's core group, the ministry have declined to give me the clearance to travel. I got the nod from the Federation but government delayed the whole process," he added.

The shooters will get a last chance to qualify for the London Olympics during the Munich World Cup, which is to be held from June 16 to 23 but for that the Indian team would be chosen only on the basis of their performance in the ongoing competition in the US.

Rana still hasn't lost hope and said that he would once again request the NRAI to include him in the team to Munich World Cup.

"I haven't lost hope even though Indian team would be chosen on the basis of the ongoing World Cup in the US. I would once again request the Federation to consider me," said Rana.

Sports Ministry's delay in clearing his name has certainly left Rana disappointed as he has been practicing for this event for a long time.

"I worked really hard and was well prepared. I was extremely confident of doing well. But now I have a feeling that my main aim -- London Olympics -- is not going to be fulfilled," said Rana.