State snub for shooting stars after big medals
Silence of the State government when it comes to recognition of some shooting achievers has been deafening. While it has announced cash and land rewards to boxer Nikhat Zareen and shooter Esha Singh for their medals at the recent World championships, Dhanush Srikanth, double medallist at last month’s Deaflympics has been sidelined.
In fact, Dhanush, after obtaining prior appointment, spent an hour at Sports Minister V. Srinivas Goud’s office before being told that he was out of town, it is reliably learnt.
Hyderabad shooter Kynan Chenai, who won a gold, silver and bronze at the 2021 and 2022 World Cups; Surabhi Bharadwaj Rapole, who shot silver at the recent Junior World Cup; and Ayush Rudraraju Junior World Championship bronze medallist are some who are yearning for government acclaim.
On being asked about the support shooters get from governments, 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist and shooting coach Gagan Narang said: “If you see the support given by the Central government, it is at the same level as the Olympics. The State government
has certainly supported us in giving us the Academy at Gachibowli. We are very thankful to the Government for the support to Nikhat and Esha. I hope and believe that the government will be supportive towards both Dhanush and Surabhi and treat an Olympic medallist like one.”
“I am very hopeful that the government will give the kind of support and due recognition that is required for athletes like Dhanush, Surabhi, Kynan and Ayush,” he added.
Telangana Rifle Association’s Senior VicePresident Gusti Noria appealed to the government to do more.
“No other sport has got so many laurels to the State and country as shooting has. I would request the government to give recognition to shooting achievers too on par with other sportspersons and to have a consistent sports policy in announcing rewards,” Noria, who is also a member of the National Rifle Association of India’s governing body, said.