Surendra Singh qualifies for Olympics in 10km

8220;I couldn8217;t believe I have made it,8221; an elated Surendra said after the race.

8220;It has been two years 8230; I was preparing for Olympics and finally all my hard work has paid off today,8221; said the Indian.

Determined to make the cut for Beijing, Surendra planned his race with 2min 49s pace per kilometre but it was pace for the second kilometre 2:43, which put him in the fast lane along with Spanish runners, and he kept running consistently below 2min 50s per kilometre before speeding up the last kilometre in 2min 38s.

Surendra will become the first athlete from the Garhwal Rifle8217;s 122-year-old history to participate in the Olympics.

Spaniard Juan Carlos De La Ossa Yunta 27:28.31s won the event, ahead of compatriots Carles Castillejo Salvador 27:39.79s and Ayad Lamdassem El Mouhcin 27:45.58s.