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In a disappointing development for Manavjit Singh Sandhu, the shooter's gun stock failed the equipment test ahead of the Asian Qualifiers in Kuwait on Saturday (January 13), essentially disqualifying him from the event.
For Manavjit Singh Sandhu, this is his first time competing for India in more than three years, and the disqualification will act as a major setback for his Olympic qualification hopes. The veteran shooter, who was the 2006 World Championships gold medalist, has alleged that his disqualification is the result of bias on the part of the Tournament Director.
Speaking to PTI, the 47-year old detailed that this is the same gun stock he has been using for the past 10 years, and that it was initially approved by the equipment jury, before the Tournament Director vetoed the decision.
“The Tournament Director (TD) has a history of being against us," Sandhu said. "He is not part of the equipment jury. In the morning, we went to the equipment jury as is the norm to get the gun passed, and they passed my gun. Meanwhile, somebody informed the TD and he took it upon himself to veto it."
“Politics is being played by this guy. Maybe it’s something to do with some politics of the federations or something, but they are refusing to allow me to shoot with my weapon,” he added.
Manavjit Singh Sandhu also stated that he is yet to receive a straight answer from the Tournament Director regarding the reason for his disqualification.
“The TD has changed his argument a number of times and it is very clear what his motive is," Sandhu said. "I have not violated anything. The rules are in front and I told him ‘tell me the rule under which I am being (disqualified)'. He is changing his thing (argument) from here and there and not permitting me to shoot.”
“This fellow (TD) waited till the last minute and disqualified me because they are scared of us winning the (Olympic) quota,” he added.
Manavjit Singh Sandhu to pursue legal action regarding disqualification
Meanwhile, Manavjit Singh Sandhu isn't giving up on his Asian Qualifiers just yet. The shooter has made the decision to head to the ranges once the competition begins, where he will subsequently be disqualified.
Once that happens, the Olympian plans to lodge a formal complaint to challenge his disqualification.
“I will take it up through the ISSF, through the athletes commission and through various other things to understand how they can do this when it is not there in the rules. The coaches, Vikram Rathore and Anwar Sultan, have lodged protests. We will take the matter forward through the NRAI and other legal ways,” Sandhu told PTI.
Manavjit Singh Sandhu said that he has been in touch with NRAI Senior Vice-President Kalikesh Singhdeo, who is fully willing to back the shooter in his protest.
