Senior national shooting coach under SAI scrutiny for conflict of interest; NRAI denies allegations

A top national shotgun coach, who is part of India’s preparations for the upcoming Asian Games, is under scrutiny following allegations of a conflict of interest over the award of a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai. A senior Sports Authority of India (SAI) official has “been asked to examine” the matter. The senior coach works with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to train India’s top shotgun shooters for international competitions, including the Olympics, ISSF World Cups, World Championships, and National Championships. “A complaint has been received in the head office of the Sports Authority of India and we have asked the stadia division and the regional director of Delhi to examine it. However, no report has come to me so far,” said a senior SAI official.

“I don’t remember the name of the complainant but that complainant has put his name. It (complaint) is by name, it is not an anonymous complaint. So, therefore, since it’s not an anonymous complaint, it will be looked into as per the government procedures,” the SAI official added.

A former shooter told PTI that the complaint pertains to the award of a contract to build a shooting range in Chennai, with the unsuccessful bidder approaching the vigilance department over the tender process. “Five shotgun ranges, estimated to cost Rs 15-16 crore, were to be built in Chennai. The shotgun coach sought the contract, prompting the rival bidder to file a complaint with the vigilance department,” the source said. The source further claimed that the coach was likely to be left out of the coaching contingent for Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, to be held from September 19 to October 4.