India's star shooter Jaspal Rana on Monday said cricket was prospering in the country only because the government had nothing to do with it.

"The government seems to know nothing about how sports should be run and most disciplines would be better off without its involvement," said Rana, who won three gold medals at the Doha Asian Games.

"People say cricket has gobbled up other games in India but that is only because it does not depend on the government.

"Cricketers are in the limelight even if they are not doing well but SEE PAGE 18 COL 5 FROM PAGE 17

when it comes to other sports in the country, there are only expectations but little support."

The cash-rich Board of Control for Cricket in India generates its own funds for running the game, unlike other sporting federations which are wholly dependent on government grants.

Rana equalled the world record to win the Asian Games Centre Fire pistol individual title after helping India win the team event in the same competition.

A day earlier, Rana had won the gold medal in the Standard Pistol event.

The 30-year-old said the government had enough funds to host the Commonwealth Games in 2010 but hesitated to spend money on the development of sports in the country.

"India can win a few medals at the Olympics too but that does not seem to be anyone's concern," said Rana.

"It is the personal effort and talent of shooters that is winning us medals," he said, referring to India's haul of 14 medals at the Lusail ranges in Doha.

"If the shooting federation was not dependent on the government for funds and could run the ranges on its own, we would be producing several more world class shooters," Rana added.