NRAI plans to hold camp for national shooters in July

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is planning to hold a camp of national shooters at Delhi's Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range in July, with hopes that the coronavirus situation in the country will ease by then.

In an interview with The Times of India, NRAI secretary, Rajiv Bhatia, told, "We have to give some time to the shooters to train as there are no competitions. (But) it all depends on the coronavirus situation, how things are in July."

Bhatia added that they are keeping their options open for accommodation.

"We are exploring both the possibilities, it can be Manav Rachna University (hostel) or the facilities near to the range, like Charmwood (Village), so that they can come to train at Tughlaqabad. Both the options are open," the NRAI secretary said.

Additionally, air, rail and road transport needs to become operational again, so that the shooters can be brought to Delhi from different parts of India. According to TOI, Bhatia said the NRAI is trying to fulfil all the requirements of the shooters.

"We are working on that, on how to help the shooters because they are now sitting idle. For 10m (air pistol), some shooters have the equipment at home. Those who don't have it, we can provide them. Problem is 25m, 50m and shotgun (which is dangerous and not permitted for training outside a range).

"It all depends when the flight operations will (re)open. We are ready to do it as soon as possible and then they can continue practising at home," said Bhatia.

The Sports Authority of India, meanwhile, is also providing athletes who are part of the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and those part of the core group any training equipment they need during the lockdown.

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