Shooting well, hope to win Olympic quota in Spain: Gurpal

Commonwealth Games silver medallist Gurpal Singh is confident of cashing in on the momentum and earning a 2016 Olympic quota place in the upcoming World Championships in Granada, Spain.
The white metal in men's free 50-metre pistol event at the Barry Buddon Shooting Range near Glasgow last month was Gurpal's one of best achievements in his career.
"I am happy with my performance at the Commonwealth Games and I am confident of doing well in the World Championships and earn a quota for Olympics. I am shooting well, I shot 565 in the CWG and if I can shoot in the region of 559-560, I will stand a chance," Gurpal told PTI.

The soft-spoken 34-year-old from Bathinda says India can win at least five-six quota places in Spain, for the Rio Olympics.
"All our shooters are doing very well globally and I am very sure India would be able to win not less than 5-6 quota places," he said.
"People like Gagan (Narang) bhai, Abhinav Bindra, Vijay Kumar, Rahi Sarnobat, Anisa Sayyed have bright chances. I also include myself in free pistol as I am also shooting well and there are other contenders as well."

Gurpal clawed his way up from sixth in preliminaries to bag silver in the medal round, with his good friend Jitu Rai winning the top prize.

Gurpal, who has come a long way from his humble background, is more than satisfied with the results in his event at Glasgow.
"I am very happy that Jitu has won the gold. At the end of the day it was 1-2 for India and that's what matters. Whether he wins gold or I win it, important thing is that the country has to gain," he said.