The Asia Olympic Qualifying shooting competition was declared open with a cultural festival at the Dr Karni Singh shooting range on Tuesday.
Union Minister Rao Inderjit Singh declared the competition open in the presence of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) president Olegario Vazquez Rana, Prince Jigyel Ugyen Wangchuk of Bhutan and the president of the National Rifle Association of India Raninder Singh among other dignitaries, participating athletes and officials.
A cultural programme showcasing India’s diversity was followed by dazzling fireworks lighting up the winter sky. Inderjit Singh lauded the NRAI president in doing a commendable job to bring this huge event to India which will give an opportunity to country's shooters to claim Olympic berths.
“I wish all participating shooters and the squads all the very best in the competition. I am proud of the progress made by the sport in Asia," said Rana.
The event will start on Wednesday. A total of 538 competitors from 30 Asian countries will take part.
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