Jitu dropped from TOP Scheme

New Delhi, July 18 

Top Indian marksman Jitu Rai was today dropped from the Target Olympic Podium Scheme, along with three other shooters, on grounds of recent lack of form. 

Three track and field athletes were also dropped on the basis of below-par performances of late. The decision was taken after a meeting of the Mission Olympic Cell here.

“A thorough performance review of shooters under TOPS was undertaken and four shooters, including Jitu Rai, were dropped from the scheme on grounds of recent below-par performances,” the Sports Authority of India stated in a press statement.

Jitu won a gold medal in the men’s 50m pistol event in the 2014 Asian Games and also dominated the field in the men’s 10m air pistol in the Gold Coast Games in April. But he is experiencing a lack of form of late and was left out of the Indian team for the upcoming Asian Games.  

Yashaswini Deswal, Amanpreet Singh and Neeraj Kumar were also dropped.

In athletics, Lili Das, who has represented India in 800m and 1500m, was dropped due to recent below-par performances. 

Shot putter Om Prakash Karhana and 400m relay runner Mohan Kumar were also dropped from the scheme. — PTI