Paralympic medallist Singharaj, five others denied visas; will miss Para Shooting World Cup in France
The Hindu
New Delhi Six members of the Indian para shooting contingent, including double Paralympic medallist
Six members of the Indian para shooting contingent, including double Paralympic medallist Singharaj Adhana, on June 4 failed to travel to Chateauroux, France for the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup after they were denied visas, despite the intervention of the Indian Government.
The matter came to light after Tokyo Paralympic Games gold medallist shooter Avani Lekhara took to twitter, seeking help following denial of visa to her escort and mother Shewata Jewaria and coach Rakesh Manpat.
But talking to PTI from the airport, chief national coach and chairman of Indian Para Shooting Jai Prakash Nautiyal said Lekhara and her coach Manpat’s visas were cleared.
“Avani and her coach’s visas were granted but her escort, who is also her mother didn’t get her visa,” Nautiyal said.
“Besides, three para shooters — Singharaj, Rahul Jhakhar and Deepinder Singh [all para pistol shooters] and two coaches Subhas Rana [national coach] and Vivek Saini [assistant coach] did not get their visas.
“The French embassy didn’t mention any reason, simply said there is a huge surge for visas. We applied for our visas on April 23 and were sure of getting all cleared. The Ministry of External Affairs [MEA] also intervened and were helping us but despite that visas of six members were rejected,” he added.
The event to be held from June 4 to 13 is of significance for Indian para shooters as Paris Paralympics quota places were on offer there.