Olympic Quota winner Gurpreet Singh had been longing for an opportunity to showcase his strength in the fortnight long 59th National Shooting Championship being held at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. He was however, denied that opportunity on Monday as the finals of the Men 25m Rapid Fire Pistol was postponed due to bad light.
The 28-year-old Army shooter is among the country eight shooters who have already won an Olympic Quota for the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Gurpreet who is currently ranked number one in the rapid fire pistol event, had been focusing on today’s final since morning. He was in fact the first out of the six finalists to reach the venue and was seen doing dry-training to prepare himself both mentally and physically for the event.
When the range officials announced the start of the event, he took the appropriate position. In fact, he was so engrossed in the event — hoping to win the gold — that he forgot to see that the light at his target was not functioning. When it was pointed out to the range officials, they made efforts to set things right, but eventually failed. Hence, they were forced to postpone the final. The final will now be held on Tuesday at 9.30 am.
Gurpreet though looked dejected but held his emotions. He was even heard saying, that he could have shot even in poor visibility. It only exhibited his confidence. Hope, he is able to carry on with his good form till the Rio Olympics.