NRAI refers errant shooters to Athlete commission for indulging in feud

The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has cancelled the membership of the two marksmen involved in a fistfight inside the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Tughlaqabad, Delhi. The breach of discipline forced the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to act against the shooters by asking its Athletes Commission to launch an inquiry into the incident.

"The NRAI has referred the matter to the Athletes Commission and asked them to look into it, send them a notice and launch an inquiry. Meanwhile, their 'pay and play' scheme membership has been cancelled by SAI," an official of the federation said to the PTI.

The incident was shocking and dangerous as it happened in broad daylight and in close proximity to the firing points where other shooters were still training. The two errant shooters identified as Babar Khan and Yoginder Pal Singh, a former member of the Indian double trap team and a full-time private coach, got into a fight after an argument regarding the scheduling of rounds.

A video clip of the incident was also circulated where the duo is seen kicking and punching each other. The situation was brought under control after fellow shooters and coaches present there at the time of the incident had to physically restrain the two. 

The Karni Singh Range is a property of SAI and shooters are allowed to use the facility under its 'pay and play' scheme. The NRAI's Athletes Commission is headed by former international shooters Morad Ali Khan and also comprises Vikram Batnagar, Ashok Mittal, Sonia Rai, and Anuja Jung.