Commonwealth Shooting not for public

17 February 2010. Sports enthusiasts wont be able to cheer for their shooting stars at the Commonwealth Shooting championship as the organisers have not opened the gates for public due to security concerns.

With phalanx of Delhi Police personnel keeping a strict vigil, Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges, venue of the Commonwealth Championships, has virtually turned into a fortress.

The road leading to the venue has been blocked and without valid ‘Accreditation’ no one is allowed to proceed further.

Except police patrolling the road and handful of vehicle with VIP’s entry pass plying, the area wore a deserted look.

If road leading up to the venue, with gun wielding police personnel managing the pockets at regular intervals, gave the impression of entering a cantonment area, within the shooting complex, police personnel too out numbered the players who had come for a training session today, indicating that tournament will be held under siege.

A board on the shooting range entrance gate which says "No Arms and Ammunation" has become a popular joke among the participants.

Entry is being restricted strictly by invitation and accreditation.

It is understandable that due to threat from anti social elements, security of both sportspersons, officials and spectators are of utmost important, but spectatours should have also been allowed to witness the event.

At the inauguration of the new range recently the sports minister had dedicated the range to the nation but now even many top shooters will not be able to witness this competition.

Also going through the security checks, wondering whether the police personnel posted outside and within the huge complex, have been trained to manage sporting competition that too of international level. But, hope, they will learn as the tournament gets underway.

Talking of the preparation for the tournament which will feature shooters from at least 12 nations, its hectic time for the organising committee. With just a day to go for the official ‘Practice’ session or Pre-event training, it is testing time for hosts as lot still needs to be done.

Today there was some confusion regarding the shuttle bus service from the general parking which is bit far away from the main venue, it was hardly available. Hope, things are better once the competition is on.

It will also be litmus test for other agencies involved in organizing the tournament, including Organising Committee 2010 Commonwealth Games. In fact, Commonwealth Shooting Championship is the first test event.

Meanwhile, shooters from England and Scotland suppose to have arrived today, were also seen inspecting the ranges. indianshooting.com