Para-shooters left in the lurch by NRAI, SAI steps in for a rescue

People with disabilities have been constructing a new dimension in the paradigm of overcoming hurdles and limits in the sporting folklore of India. In what can be labelled as a staggering blow to developing para-sports in India, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) earlier this month dropped para-shooting events from all its competitions including the national championships. In a major setback to the sporting scenario, the decision has left more than 200 para-shooters in the lurch at a time when the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games qualification is just around the corner. According to the latest reports by TOI, the Sports Authority of India (SAI) has summoned the officials of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) and NRAI in a bid to resolve the long-standing battle between the two federations over conducting domestic and international para-shooting tournaments. 

The announcement of the NRAI over para-shooting omission shattered the morale of India’s para shooters, who flushed with stellar victories at the recent Osijek 2019 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup, where they set four world records. “The para matches are deleted from the programme of all shooting competitions. This was decided by the Governing Body, as there is a separate organization that controls shooting activities including the selection of teams for Para World Cups/ Para World Championship/ Para Olympic Games,“ read the post by NRAI on the website after its governing body meeting on July 31. 

However, many believe that the SAI has stepped possibly in the right time which might favour the already teetering career of the para-shooters, who can now heave a sigh of relief. “SAI has taken cognizance of the issue and has called for a meeting of all the stakeholders to amicably settle the issue so that the athletes are not affected adversely, “ said SAI Director General, Sandip Pradahan, speaking to TOI. 

The decision had come down heavily upon the para-shooters of the country who otherwise mostly relied on the championships hosted by the federation at state levels. The shooting activities in India have been controlled by the NRAI for over two decades, including the procurement of equipment and ammunition. “The decision stands until the NRAI governing body itself decides to review. From the PCI, nobody has approached the NRAI so far on the matter,“ the Indian shooting association’s secretary, Rajiv Bhatia told TOI.