The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the governing body of the Olympic sport of Shooting in the country, announced on 6th March after a Special General Body meeting, that they have accepted the National Sports Code in its entirety, except one, where a practical relaxations has been made.
It can be recalled that the Sports Ministry had last month given the National Sports Federations six months to align with the National Sports Development Code.
Divulging details of this significant development, Mr. Raninder Singh, President, NRAI said, “We are probably one of the first Olympic Sporting Federation to have taken such a step. NRAI has always been at the forefront when it comes to taking decisions, which put athletes and their welfare ahead of everything else. All necessary action in this regard has been initiated. On behalf of the NRAI, I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the Hon. Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports for standing by us at all times.”
Citing theprovision, whichwas “un-implementable”, Mr. Singh said, “The one which says that half the districts should be affiliated to the state federation for it to be recognized is practically not possible on ground in States like Chhattisgarh and Union Territories like Jammu, Kashmir etc. due to prevailing local law and order situations- so we have relaxed that provision to 20% for all State Rifle Associations/UT’s.”
Among other decisions taken, the General Body has remanded the matter on punishment to shooters to the Disciplinary Committee. Till the recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee are received, the Shooters will be allowed to participate in shooting competitions.
