Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore

Ace Indian shooter Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore was on Tuesday ruled out of the Indian shooting squad for the upcoming Commonwealth Games after he did not turn up for the selection trials held in Pune.

The Athens Olympics silver medalist stands disqualified for selection after missing the trials. It was not known why Rathore missed the trials, appearing in which was necessary to be considered for selection.

Leading shooters like Beijing Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bindra and Gagan Narang, who has already booked a berth in the 2012 London Olympics, had all appeared in the three-day trials in Pune. The national selection meeting will be held here tomorrow and Rathore, a double trap shooter, is sure to miss the cut.

“Since he did not turn up at the trials, he stands disqualified for selection. He has not spoken to us why he missed it,” National Rifle Association of India secretary Rajeev Bhatia told reporters. The NRAI had made it clear that only those shooters will be considered for selection that will appear in trials.

National coach Sunny Thomas said it was important for Rathore to put up a good show at trials since his average score in international event was not good enough. “I also don’t know why he did not come. His scores since February were not good and it was important for him to do well at trials and be eligible for selection,” Thomas said.

By: Devesh D. Bhuwad

Tags: Abhinav Bindra, Athens Olympics, Beijing Olympic, Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games, Gagan Narang, London Olympics, National Rifle Association of India, NRAI, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Shooter