Paris 2024: International performances get more weightage in shooting selection policy

Bonus point for Olympics quota holders enhanced for 3P and 25m pistol events

India's selection policy for the Paris Olympics, for rifle and pistol shooters, has been tweaked to give more weightage to international performances and an increase in bonus points for quota winners in firearm events.

Generic image of shooters in prone position

Paris Olympics quota winners in rifle 3 positions, and 25m pistol events will now get two bonus points from earlier one point. In air rifle and air pistol events, where points are counted in decimals, the quota bonus point will continue to be one.

As per the policy approved in October last year, shooters for the Paris Olympics will be selected based on their performance in a set of four domestic trials. However, it was felt that domestic rankings of shooters have been given more weightage in the eligibility criterion for participation in the trials.

The governing coun of the National Rifle Association of India in its meeting on Wednesday therefore amended the selection criteria.

The amended policy places more thrust on ISSF's Qualification Ranking for Paris Olympics as the eligibility criteria for these trials. Besides, all quota holders and deemed quota holders -- one who would have won a quota had India not sealed both spots -- would be directly eligible to participate.

The four selection trials are likely to be held in April-May. At least four shooters in each event will qualify for the trials. A shooter must participate in a minimum of three trials to be considered for selection. A final average score will be calculated based on which the team for the Paris Olympics would be selected.

India have won 13 quota places (11 in rifle and pistol events). There will be two more qualifying events for the Paris Olympics.