Sheeraz Sheikh tops selection trials, hopes to win Asian Games spot
May 17, 2018
International shooter Sheeraz Sheikh topped the charts in the men’s skeet event in the national selection trials held here at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges.
The Uttar Pradesh shooter shot 119 out of possible 125 in the first trial, followed by 123 in the second to top the field that included Olympian and seasoned shooter Mairaj Khan. Angad Veer Singh was second overall.
Sheikh’s overall performance is expected to brighten his chances for a berth in the Asian Games squad. He was elated after the competition, saying good performance in the trials has enabled him to rise to rank number one in the country. “I need to stay focused and maintain good form in the upcoming competitions,” he said.
Going by his current ranking, apart from Asian Games in Jakrata, Sheikh also stands a good chance to win a ticket for the upcoming World Championships in Changwon, Korea. The competition in Korea will be first major event that offers 2020 Tokyo Olympics places.
However, missing the final at Gold Coast Commonwealth Games still hurts him. “It was one of those bad days. I missed final by two points,” he said. In Australia he scored 117 to finish ninth.
Considering the weather conditions at this time of the year in Delhi, chief national coach Mansher Singh expressed his satisfaction, saying overall average was good as shooters had to compete in back-to-back trials. “Those shooters having good average scores will find a place in the national team for Asian Games and Worlds,” he said.
Commonwealth Games champion Shreyasi Singh and Varsha Varman are expected to find a place in the women’s double trap for Asian Games, while world silver medallist Ankur Mittal and upcoming shooter Shardul Vihan have good chance tobe in the men’s squad.
In the women’s skeet event, Rashmi Rathore and Ganemat Shekhon are favourites.
