China Dominates Shooting World Cup in Spain

China was the best performing country at the International Paralympic (IPC) Shooting World Cup, which came to a close last Sunday (8 May) in Alicante, Spain.

Competing in the biggest IPC Shooting World Cup ever, shooters from China topped the medals table with 12 in total, made up of six gold, three silver and three bronze.

Turkey, host to the IPC Shooting World Cup in April, also put in some impressive performances, winning three gold medals in the air pistol 10m events.

More than 240 shooters from 46 countries were in Alicante to compete in air rifle and pistol and rifle and pistol events over 10m, 25m and 50m distances and qualify for the London 2012 Paralympic Games, either by reaching the Minimum Qualification Standard or by gaining direct qualification slots.

The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) signed a collaboration agreement with the Miguel Hernandez University in Alicante to provide sport massage to all shooters participating in the World Cup through physiotherapy students. The Fundacion Jorge Alio supported the LOC by conducting free professional checks of visual acuity of 25 shooters.

At the London 2012 Paralympic Games there will be 140 athletes competing in 12 medal events. Each National Paralympic Committee (NPC) can be allocated a maximum of five places for athletes through the Direct Qualification Method. To be eligible for selection by an NPC, each athlete must be licensed, classified and have achieved the Minimum Qualification Standard at least twice in an IPC recognized competition.

The next IPC Shooting World Cup will take place in the USA from 5-9 October 2011.