ISSF working on overhauling qualification system for Paris Olympics 2024

The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is working on revamping the qualification system for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Munich, Germany-based global body is planning to remove world cups from the qualification criteria, restricting quota places to world and continental championships.

According to a PTI report, the ISSF has sent its proposal to national federations and is awaiting their approval.

"The ISSF has sent its material to the federations regarding the changes. So, once the proposal is approved, the world cups will not carry quota places, which will be there in only the world championships and the continental tournaments," PTI quoted a source as saying.

It is believed that Indian shooters had exposed themselves by participating in too many world cups, and the change would help them choose important competitions.

"It was felt by many that the Indian shooters competed in too many world cups. Now if there is a change, they can choose which world cup to participate in and which to skip. That way they will not end up participating in every tournament," the source told PTI.

Other changes ISSF plans to make in Olympic qualification system

Another change ISSF plans to make is to replace MQS (minimum qualification score) with MOQS (minimum Olympic qualification score). According to the report, a shooter will need to reach a minimum score to become eligible for the quadrennial event.

"Though it is comparatively tougher to get quotas in the world championships in which the entries are the highest, there will also be continental events like the Asian Shooting Championships which will offer more quota places than before. Even the world championships will probably carry more quota places than before with the world cup shorn of qualifying status," PTI reported.

India had fielded a 15-strong shooting contingent at the Tokyo Olympics but failed to win a single medal.

The squad boasted numerous top-ranked shooters, including Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary and Elavenil Valarivan. A couple of medals in both the individual and mixed team events were expected. However, the Indian team under-performed in Japan.

With this overhaul, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is optimistic of shooters reserving their best for bigger tournaments. The association believes this will also provide more opportunities for upcoming shooters.

The MQS system is used by shooters to qualify for the Olympic and Youth Olympic Games. ISSF designates the minimum scores for each shooting event. The qualification system for shooting is based on quota places.