Srao has a chance of a quota berth

At the continental level, the event at Kuwait is important as it is the last one to offer Olympic quota berths. “We can’t take it lightly. It will be tough competition,” said national coach Sunny Thomas. India have nine quota berths, including three in shotgun. Thomas is expecting at least five more quota places.

Of the eight that India got for the Athens Olympics, five were won in the Asian championships. Thomas feels that the preparations have gone well, but it will all depend on the performance now. “A gold medal will automatically give us a passage to Beijing,” he added.

Thomas did not reveal in which events India had more chances of winning a quota berth. However, he indicated that there is a chance in women’s 10m air pistol event. Going by recent performances, Harveen Srao, winner of the gold in the World University Games, is India’s best bet. Srao is capable of shooting close to 390. “A score of 380-plus should be good for an Olympics berth,” said Thomas.

Besides Srao, Shweta Chaudhary also stands a good chance.

In shotgun, Ronjon Sodhi (double trap) will be the man to watch.

“His performance has been good. I hope he wins the quota place in Kuwait,” the coach said.