According to information received here, Surendra achieved the 'B' qualification mark for Beijing Olympic Games after clocking 28:02.89s.

"I couldn't believe I have made it," an elated Surendra said after the race.

"It has been two years ... I was preparing for Olympics and finally all my hard work has paid off today," said the Indian.

Determined to make the cut for Beijing, Surendra planned his race with 2min 49s pace per kilometre but it was pace for the second kilometre (2:43), which put him in the fast lane along with Spanish runners, and he kept running consistently below 2min 50s per kilometre before speeding up the last kilometre in 2min 38s.

Surendra will become the first athlete from the Garhwal Rifle's 122-year-old history to participate in the Olympics.