New Delhi, Sep 29: India lost a potential gold at the ISSF Junior Shooting World Championship in Lima, Peru after a pistol marksman was penalised two points for “reporting late” to the preparation arena ahead of the 10m finals.
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) on Saturday penalised Umesh Choudhary, a 20-year-old marksman, for violation of Rule 6.17.1.3, which states that “a two (2) point/hit penalty will be deducted from the score of the first match shot/series if the athlete does not report on time”, thus bringing into focus the role of coaches and support staff in the mammoth 60-member contingent.
Choudhary got 7.4 points on his first shot in the final after deduction of the two points.
The score-sheet of the final on the ISSF’s website stated, “A2 Athlete 1412 CHOUDHARY Umesh (IND) – ISSF Rule 6.17.1.3. Late reporting to the preparation area”.
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary, Rajiv Bhatia, said he had “no idea” about the incident and would “not like to comment” on the issue.
But, later in the day, the NRAI said in a statement that the delay was caused after coach Priya Yadav went to look for the other Indian shooter, who “had fallen behind”.
“Coach Priya Jadhav and the concerned shooter reached the finals hall when she realised that the second shooter Pradhyuman had fallen behind. She made Umesh sit in the finals hall and went to look for Pradhyuman who had by then used another route to reach the reporting area, which in this case was created a little away from the 50m range.
“Generally the reporting area is attached to the finals hall. Given the distance needed to cover both ends of a 50m range, by the time coach made her way back to get Umesh to the reporting area, time had lapsed,” the federation said in the statement.
It also said that there was no one from the organising committee to help the shooter get to the reporting area.
“Also, there was no one among organisers at the finals hall to tell the shooter and guide him to the reporting area, neither had they put up signages to indicate the path to the reporting area.
“The other coaches were with the women shooters who were also having their qualification match. In the unfortunate turn of events, Umesh was docked two points for the first shot as per rules.”
Choudhary had finished third at the end of the qualification round with a score of 580 and had he not been penalised two points, he could have potentially won a gold medal in the eight-shooter final.
Choudhary finished sixth in the medal round due to the penalty.
The ISSF rule on reporting and start times states, “The Start Time for a Final is when the CRO (Chief Range Official) begins the commands for the first match shot/series. Athletes must report to the Finals Range Preparation Area at least 30 minutes before the Start Time.
“Athletes must report with their equipment including sufficient ammunition to complete the Final, competition clothing and a national team uniform that is appropriate to wear in the Victory Ceremony.
“The Jury must confirm that all finalists are present and that their names and nations are correctly recorded in the results system and on the scoreboards. Juries must complete equipment checks during the reporting period as soon as possible after the athlete reports,” it states.
“During Finals security measures should be put in place to ensure the security of all equipment and athletes belongings left within the Preparation area.”
Earlier, Bhatia, when reminded that the details of the penalty were on the ISSF website as well, said, “Then, he (Choudhary) might not have reached the arena on time. I have no idea why and for what reason he did not reach the arena on time. I will have to check with the officials there (in Peru).”
Asked if the coaches should be more vigilant, he said, “I will not say anything on this because nothing has been reported to us. I don’t want to discuss this.”
On whether it had left the NRAI embarrassed he said, “It’s not possible that it has happened for the first time. Do you think that only the coaches are responsible, and the shooters have no responsibility? They should know the rules, they are participating in the World Championships.” (PTI)
