M A I N   N E W S

Junior shooters face ban for late-night booze parties
Aman Sood/TNS

Late for Morning Drills A probe committee found out instances of indiscipline and non-serious approach towards the sport by the shooters on tour. It found that shooters usually party in clubs and booze till late in the night, and at times report late for training the next morning No proof of sexual harassment The probe committee did not find enough evidence pertaining to the sexual harassment charges against the two shooters Though the report has clearly hinted at sledging and ungentlemanly behaviour by the two accused during various legs of the Germany tour, there is not enough evidence to prove sexual misconduct

Patiala, July 19
Two junior shooters suspended by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) pending investigation into charges of sexual harassment made against them by a female shooter during a tournament in Germany are likely to be exonerated following absence of evidence.

However, the two — one of whom is the son of a top politician — are expected to be slapped with a ban of over six months each for their conduct during the tournament, the International Junior Shooting Championship in Suhl, Germany, last month. Six others are likely to get a reprimand for misconduct and non-sportsmanlike attitude on recent foreign tours.

A probe committee —including Anjali Bhagwat, Samresh Jang, Suma Shirur and Vikram Bhatnagar —found out instances of indiscipline and non-serious approach towards the sport by the shooters on tour. It found that shooters usually party in clubs and booze till late in the night, and at times report late for training the next morning.

“This kind of a conduct cannot be tolerated,” said a senior NRAI official. ”We have issued a written warning to six shooters, but next time we’ll take tougher action.”

Indian shooters had won two gold, one silver and five bronze in the Suhl event.

The probe report would be submitted to the Director General (SAI) and Secretary, Sports, while the NRAI has called a press conference on the issue, on Saturday in New Delhi.

Sources confirmed that the report did not find enough evidence in the sexual harassment charges against the two shooters. “Though the report has clearly hinted at sledging and ungentlemanly behaviour by the two accused during various legs of the Germany tour, there is not enough to prove sexual misconduct,” they said.

A top shooter attached with the probe told The Tribune that the two accused shooters are sure to face the axe and a fixed period ban for their conduct. “Despite the fact that all the three, including the complainant, are minors the NRAI has decided to act tough and hand the two a ban to set an example,” he said. The probe found that the two accused had bullied the female shotgun shooter during the tour and had probably passed lewd comments at her, before they got locked in a verbal duel. After the competition, the female shotgun shooter had lodged a complaint against the two. One of the accused is said to be a junior national champion in double trap and was also part of the senior team at the Acapulco World Cup.

NRAI president Raninder Singh told TNS that he would not let anything be swept under the carpet and strict action would be taken based on the findings of the report.

“Though I am yet to see the report, some shooters are sure to face the music for unprofessional conduct,” warned the NRAI president.