Luger Shiva Keshavan has apparently not got an automatic quota for next month's Sochi Winter Olympics but likely to get a berth after reallocation of slots among different countries, according to sources.
It is learnt that the letter sent by the International Olympic Committee to Indian authorities for accreditation of athletes and coaches for the February 7-23 Games mentions Keshavan as "not yet qualified but first in re-allocation".
It said "one slot on reallocation -- athlete Shiva Keshavan".
When contacted Indian Amateur Luge Association officials said they would have to look what has been written in the International Olympic Committee letter.
"I have not seen it and will comment only after I see the letter," IALA Chief Executive B S Verma said.
Sources, however, said that Keshavan is likely to get a berth after re-allocation.
In contrast, one Indian each has been handed automatic berth in alpine and cross country skiing for the Games.
The IOC letter said that Himanshu Thakur and Hira Lal have qualified for the Games but only one quota will be given. The Winter Games Federation of India has said that Himanshu will be picked.
Nadeem Iqbal has also earned a quota place on cross country, according to the IOC letter.
The Indians will be participating in the Sochi Games as Independent Athletes under the banner of the IOC as the country has been serving suspension from the Olympic fold.
Image: Shiva Keshavan
Photograph: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
