The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has rebuked its range officials for a “serious safety violation” incident during last year’s National Championships. In the incident, a female 10m air rifle shooter, unaware of strict safety rules, pointed her gun toward the spectators’ gallery, violating International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) regulations.
According to a source from NRAI, instead of promptly disqualifying the shooter for the safety breach, the range officials asked for the incorrect lane number or firing point. The shooter provided the wrong lane number, leading to the disqualification of another participant from Uttar Pradesh who represented the state in the November-December Nationals.
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Confirming the incident, NRAI secretary Rajiv Bhatia stated that all range officials have been issued a “strongly-worded advisory” to adhere to ISSF’s disciplinary rules strictly. The unidentified shooter, whose shooting card wasn’t confiscated, violated Rule 6.12.6.3 of the ISSF, emphasizing serious safety violations that warrant disqualification.
Rule 6.2.2 underscores the importance of handling guns with the utmost care, specifying that they must not be removed from the firing line without the Range Officer’s permission. Furthermore, Rule 6.2.2.3 mandates that athletes’ guns must always be pointed in safe directions while at their firing points.
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Given the gravity of mishandling weapons, even air rifles and pistols, which can result in severe injuries or loss of life, range officials are expected to maintain the highest level of vigilance. The implicated shooter, now untraceable, cleverly provided the wrong lane number to avoid disqualification, causing another participant to be unfairly disqualified.
The disqualified shooter from Uttar Pradesh contested the decision and wrote to the NRAI, explaining her innocence, leading to the reinstatement of her scores. Despite the incident, Secretary Bhatia mentioned that the association has urged range officials to exercise greater caution, acknowledging the challenge posed by the clever tactics of the implicated shooter.
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When questioned about potential actions against range officials, Bhatia expressed the limitations, noting, “What disciplinary action can we take… they are all human beings.” The incident underscores the importance of enforcing stringent safety measures in shooting sports to prevent potentially hazardous situations.
