Fistfight between shooters in Delhi's Karni Singh Shooting Range

There was a brawl at the Karni Singh Shooting Range (KSSR) in Tughlaqabad in New Delhi on Sunday as two shooters were involved in a chaotic fistfight close to the firing points where other shooters were still training, according to a report in The Tribune.

Yoginder Pal Singh, a former member of the Indian double trap team, and Babar Khan, who was present with his son, were arguing about the number of rounds that can be shot at a go. Both were present at Karni Range under the Come and Play Scheme, where just one range was available. The other ranges were being used by the shooters for the National Camp ahead of the Asian Shooting Championships. The lack of availability of range, thus, caused the brawl. 

The two have filed complaints against each other, with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) likely to take action against the duo as well. Their membership has also been cancelled. According to a report in The Tribune, Khan narrated the incident. “I was to shoot in the next round as well but he [Yoginder] stopped me. I asked him in what capacity was he telling me not to shoot.

“I was told that I will have to wait till 4 pm so I refused. He then raised his voice and our argument began. After an exchange of words, I withdrew myself. Then all of a sudden he threw his earmuffs on the ground, abused my mother and rushed towards me. The fight ensued. He hit me and I hit him too.”

Singh, on the other hand, mailed the DG of the Sports Authority of India Sandip Pradhan, and wrote, “…One thing led to another and both of us raised our voices, and he threatened me to which I replied ‘don’t dry fire at me’. We were both calmed down by the shooters present,” The Tribune continued.

The NRAI has taken note of the incident and will hold an enquiry about the same. “We will hold an inquiry and suitable action will be taken,” NRAI secretary general DV Seetharama Rao told The Tribune.

Recently, the Sports Ministry of India had decided to provide free access to all in four sporting infrastructures to federation and athletes from November 1, including in the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the Karni Singh Shooting Range. This decision was taken to promote the Fit India movement.