The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) apparently feels shooters can train without pellets and win medals in the upcoming World University Games to held in China from August 13.
The Indian shooters attending the camp for the University Games at the Hansraj College, New Delhi, often don't get pallets and when they do, the quantity is not sufficient to train as per schedule.
"How does the AIU expect us to win medal without pellets? In the 2007 University Games, there were a couple of Olympic medallists in the fray and this time, too, the competition will be tough," said Harven Sarao, who won the individual gold and team bronze in the 2007 edition.
The camp started on July 7, and each shooter had got one box of pellet since then. In the national camps, however, shooters are generally provided with a box on every alternate day.
"The authorities are now asking us to get pallets on our own, saying they will reimburse it. But shouldn't they have informed us beforehand," said Harveen.
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has already given Rs 9,79,200 to AIU for the camp, and told the association that they could buy pellets as per their requirement and money would be reimbursed later.
Moreover, the SAI has also sanctioned Rs 5000 per day to Hansraj College for the use of range, which has just six pulleys and that too electrical. "It'd have been better if the camp was at Karni Singh Shooting Range," said a men's team shooter, who did not want to be named. "Forget pellets, we're not even provided with the accommodation and food as per sanctioned by the SAI," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Moreover, the SAI has also sanctioned Rs 5000 per day to Hansraj College for the use of range, which has just six pulleys and that too electrical. "It'd have been better if the camp was at Karni Singh Shooting Range," said a men's team shooter, who did not want to be named. "Forget pellets, we're not even provided with the accommodation and food as per sanctioned by the SAI," he said.
{{/usCountry}}Savita Kochar, the in-charge of the camp, did not respond to the calls. made by HT.