A German shooting association has backed off its demand that an expert marksman give up his championship title because he's a Muslim, responding to mounting criticism.
The Historic German Shooting Brotherhood Federation had earlier said its constitution stipulates it is an "association of Christian people."
The umbrella organization said Wednesday it has dropped its objections to Mithat Gedik's title "as an exception" and "an expression of respect and integration."
Gedik, born in Germany to Turkish parents, won the title on July 18 at his western German club.
The local Catholic church, Muslim organizations and others had rallied behind Gedik. Germany's top anti-discrimination official said the organization's stance was discriminatory, calling on it to live up to its name and act "in the spirit of true brotherhood."
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