National Rifle Association of India president Raninder Singh congratulated ace shooter Jitu Rai for being given awarded the 'Champion of Champions' title for pistol shooting in 2016 by the International Shooting Sport Federation. Along with the title Rai also received a cash award of €5,000 (Rs 3.71 lakh).
Rai had beaten Serbian Damir Mikec 29.6 to 28.3 in the 10 m Air Pistol Champions Trophy final in Bologna, Italy on Sunday. Despite being one of the frontrunnners among the Indian contingent at the Olympics to and being touted to win a medal Games, Rai fell short. The win is viewed as a comeback of sorts for the 29-year-old former army man.
Singh told The Times of India, "Jitu Rai is in a league of his own in the world of pistol shooting and the Champions Trophy win reiterates his versatility as a shooter. On behalf of the NRAI, we congratulate him on his latest success and wish him all the best in continuing to bring laurels for the country."
The Champions Trophy matches were held at the end of the rifle and pistol shooting World Cups. Rai finished sixth in the 10 m Air Pistol event. All World Cup final medalists were eligible to qualify for the Champions Trophy, which is conducted in an elimination format.
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