Absence of ‘quota places’ prompts NRAI not to host World Cup

New Delhi, Sept 18: The National Rifle Association Of India (NRAI) on Friday clarified that its decision to pull out as host of the rifle and pistol World Cup in March was solely due to the absence of qualification spots in the event for the 2012 London Olympics.

NRAI secretary-general Baljeet Sethi said that a new International Olympic Committee’s (IOC) ruling has made it mandatory that all quota places would be available in events only 24 months before the opening ceremony of the London Games. “Earlier quota places were available in specific tournaments including World Cups, two years before the Olympics. But since the new IOC rule has been implemented now, the World Cup in March that we were to host becomes inconsequential,” Sethi said.

Flintoff to coach cricket team

ondon, Sep 18: England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff will be coaching the United Arab Emirates national team during the period that he recovers from knee surgery. “A partnership has been agreed with Dubai Sports City to use their gym and facilities as a base for his rehabilitation. In return he will be carrying out some coaching for the UAE national team over the next six months,” Andrew Chandler, Flintoff’s one agent said.