The Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) has raised objections to the recent decision of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to hold para shooting events, stating that the governing body lacks jurisdiction in this matter. The NRAI, which oversees shooting sports in the country, had excluded para shooting from all its competitions, including national championships, in 2019. This move left around 200 para shooters without a platform to showcase their skills ahead of the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The NRAI justified its decision by pointing out that the PCI is the designated authority responsible for managing para shooting activities and team selection. Despite hosting para shooting events for over 25 years, the NRAI decided to withdraw from this domain.
The dispute between the two organizations has put the future of para shooting in India in jeopardy. The PCI argues that the NRAI’s decision has had a detrimental impact on the opportunities available to para shooters. With para shooting events no longer being part of the NRAI’s purview, athletes in this discipline are being left behind and facing numerous challenges along their path to success. The PCI firmly believes that the NRAI should reconsider its stance and resume organizing para shooting competitions.
In response to the objections raised by the PCI, the NRAI has defended its decision by emphasizing the existence of a separate entity exclusively dedicated to para shooting. The NRAI contends that since the PCI has the authority to govern and manage para shooting activities, including team selection, it is appropriate for the sport to fall under the PCI’s jurisdiction. The NRAI’s move to remove para shooting is seen as an attempt to streamline the administration of shooting disciplines by assigning each one to the relevant authority.
However, the decision has been met with opposition from para shooters and disability rights advocates, who argue that the NRAI’s exclusion of para shooting has severely limited opportunities for athletes with impairments. The absence of para shooting from the NRAI’s competitions and national championships has hindered the growth and development of para shooting in India. Moreover, para shooters have expressed concerns about the lack of support and recognition from the NRAI, further underscoring the need for a unified approach to foster inclusivity and equal opportunities in shooting sports.
The ongoing controversy highlights the need for better coordination and collaboration between the PCI and the NRAI to ensure that para shooting receives the attention and resources it deserves. The two organizations need to find common ground and work together to create a conducive environment for para shooters, enabling them to compete at both national and international levels. By leveraging their respective expertise and resources, they can develop a robust framework that promotes the growth and participation of para shooters in the country.
In conclusion, the Paralympic Committee of India and the National Rifle Association of India find themselves at odds over the jurisdiction and administration of para shooting events. The NRAI’s decision to exclude para shooting from its competitions has raised concerns about the future of the sport and its athletes. The dispute highlights the urgent need for collaboration and unity between the two organizations to ensure the development and inclusion of para shooting in India’s sporting landscape. Both parties must prioritize the interests of para shooters and work towards a resolution that supports their aspirations and talents.
