Chandela qualifies for Olympics

Changwon, April 11: Commonwealth Games gold medallist Apurvi Chandela became the second Indian to qualify for the Rio Olympics after winning the bronze in the women’s 10 metre air rifle event at the ongoing Shooting World Cup (Rifle/Pistol) here on Saturday.

Apurvi shot a total of 185.6 in the Fils, to finish behind Pejcic Snjeza of Croatia who won gold and Serbian Iva Maksimovic, who won silver. Pejcic scored 209.1 to Iva’s 207.7 to win the gold medal match-up.

There were three Olympic quota places to be bagged in the event.

“A World Cup medal was something that I have been aiming for a long time, and now that I have it, it really makes e very happy. What adds on to the happiness is winning the second quota place for my country for the Rio Olympics,” said an elated Apurvi after winning her medal.

“This win has helped me feel more confident towards my preparation for the Rio Olympics. I will work towards securing more podium finishes in the competitions I participate in this year,” she said.

Men’s pistol ace, Jitu Rai had won India’s first slot at the Shooting World Championships in Grada, Spain last year, when he won silver in the 50m Free Pistol event.

Each country can win a maximum of 30 slots in 15 shooting disciplines (including shotgun events) - two each from each discipline. IANS