With a colourful and crowded ceremony, the Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition for Shooting opened today at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi (IND).
Mr. Shri Raninder Singh, Chairman of the Organizing Committee and President of the National Rifle Association of India, initially address the crowd, warmly welcoming the President of the ISSF Mr. Olegario Vazquez Raña, the Vice-President of the ISSF Mr. Gary Anderson, the Secretary General of the ISSF Mr. Franz Schreiber, the Minister of Statistics and Programme Implementation Planning and Defence Government of India Mr. Rao Inderit Singh Ji, and the Guest of Honour of the ceremony, His Royal Highness Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuck of Bhutan, also the President of the Bhutan Olympic Committee.
“I welcome you all to our beautiful country!” Said Mr. Singh. “I’m absolutely sure that all the athletes and the officials that arrived from the greatest countries will give their best. We are all looking forward to see some splendid performances in the coming days.”
“A very warm welcome to all the participants, especially to the 538 shooters.” Continued President Vazquez Raña. “I’m very proud and happy to be here in the beautiful city of New Delhi for this Olympic Qualifying Competition. India and Asia are very important to the shooting sport world, and I’m very satisfied with the progress of our sport within the Asian continent.”
The President of the ISSF introduced Mr. Rao Inderjit Singh Ji, who officially declared the championship open. “Shooting has always been a sport admired by many people around the world. Today, athletes from Asia come here to participate in a great event unprecedented in the history of our country.” He said.
Mr. D.V. Seetharama Rao, Secretary General of the NRAI, thanked all the guests, participants and performers. A spectacular firework display concluded the ceremony.
The first final of the Asia Olympic Qualifying Competition for Shooting will take place tomorrow at 12:30 PM (UTC+5:30), as 50m Rifle Prone Men athletes battle for the first medals and Rio 2016 quotas. The 10m Air Pistol Women will follow at 1:30 PM, while the Trap Women final will close the first day of competitions at 3:30 PM.
Live updates will be available online on the ISSF website and on the ISSF social media platforms: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Sina Weibo.