New Delhi: With no quota place up for grabs most participants of the World Cup shooting, beginning here on Wednesday, might be a bit relaxed.

But for rifle shooter Sanjeev Rajput the next few days at the Karni Singh range would be a crucial phase of his career. A good show on home turf should be a huge boost, especially after being shockingly accused of raping a fellow shooter last year.

Currently out on bail, the 36-year-old Arjuna Award winner, winner of three Asian Games and two Commonwealth Games medals, is a part of the Indian squad. A podium finish here would help him recover his reputation to some extent both on and off the field.

Rajput claims he is innocent and justice will finally prevail. He has entered in the 10 metres air rifle and 50 metres 3 positions events and training under Ukrainian coach Oleg Mikhailov. Rajput agreed he was going through a difficult time. "It's been a real struggle ever since the case was filed. My family life has been disturbed, but thankfully both the national body and fellow shooters remained supportive," he said.

"I am trying my best to deliver a medal-winning performance here. I know I have not done anything wrong... I am innocent. I have full faith in the judiciary," Rajput added.

Nothing exactly went right for the talented shooter last year. He did not find a berth in the Olympic squad, which did raise some eyebrows. In the season ending World Cup in Italy, he failed to qualify for the finals in the three position.

Things, however, turned messy during the Nationals in Pune. Having already filed a case against Rajput in a police station in Delhi, a lady shooter nearly hit Rajput in full public view in Pune. She alleged that she was in a relationship with Rajput, who raped her on promise of marriage. "It was a ridiculous allegation," said Rajput. "I am not a 22-year-old man. I am 36 and have a family to look after and a career to pursue in the shooting," said the rifle shooter.