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Jaspal Rana unsure of Olympics participation

To shoot or not is the predicament India's ace marksman Jaspal Rana is faced with.

'Even though there are just three months left for the September Olympics, I am not even sure whether I will be representing the country or not,'' the Commonwealth and Asian Games gold medalist said.

He said he could enter the event only on a wild card. ''Since the Olympics do not have the centre fire pistol and the standard pistol categories, which I specialise in, I have to participate in the air pistol category. But to get an entry into it, I need a wild card for which the Indian Olympic Association has to recommend my name."

As such, he said, he is unsure whether to start training seriously for the Games.

''Since I am not even sure of my participation in the Olympics, how can I start practicing. Even if I plan to begin, the infrastructure here is very poor and not maintained.''

Rana, who turned 24 on Wednesday, blamed the media and sponsors for the poor state of the game in the country.

''The media should play a more positive role in highlighting sports other than cricket. Also, corporate sponsors should come in a big way to promote such sports,'' he said.

He disclosed that he is planning to open a shooting academy in Dehradun to help groom potential champions in the sport.

UNI