Narang takes a dig at Khel Ratna selection criteria

Gagan Narang took a dig at its selection criteria, saying the country`s highest sporting honour seems to be decided more on the basis of public and media perception than the athletes` performance.

New Delhi: Disappointed at not getting the coveted Khel Ratna, ace Indian shooter Gagan Narang on Sunday took

a dig at its selection criteria, saying the country`s highest sporting honour seems to be decided more on the basis of public and media perception than the athletes` performance. The world number two Narang yesterday became the first Indian to qualify for 2012 London Olympics after shooting a bronze in the 10 metre air rifle event in the 50th World Championship in Munich. "I am very very disappointed over what happened to me. It was third time in a row. I think, Khel Ratna is just inclusion of the public perception and media perception.” "It was disheartening to know that I was in run for my achievement in 2009, I was in with a chance in 2008 also. But I would rather like my guns to talk and hope that the bronze medal opens up a few blind folds," Narang told a news channel. In the final round in Munich, Narang held his nerves to shoot a score of 102 which helped him bag bronze in a strong field of 128 shooters. The Indian lamented that even the world record could not fetch him the country`s top sports award. "I thought that I would get when I shot the world record and I am still the world record holder," said Narang. National sports awards selection committee headed by P T Usha met here on July 30 and decided to bestow the Khel Ratna award to ace shuttler Saina Nehwal. PTI