The just-concluded national championships in Ahmedabad saw several top Delhi shooters turning out for other neighbouring states and winning medals. The reason for the shift was the reported demand by the Delhi State Rifle Association (DSRA) of a lifetime membership fee of Rs 7,500 from each shooter if he or she wanted to compete under DSRA.

Unable to pay the fee, several shooters preferred the shift than toeing the line of DSRA and even proved their worth by winnings medals at the Ahmedabad meet. Ever since the matter reached the NRAI precincts, the national body has already warned the Delhi body to be wary of its functioning.

“It’s a serious matter. Delhi isn’t encouraging shooters. The state body needs to function properly so that shooters don’t leave for the other states,” said NRAI secretary Baljeet Singh Sethi.

Once a dominant force in national competitions, Delhi drew a blank and Sethi was reflecting after the state’s showing at the meet. The NRAI secretary, lamenting the sorry state of affairs, said the state body should work for the betterment of the sport and take corrective steps to encourage the upcoming shooters. “If they don’t do that, it will be difficult for them to win any medal in national competitions,” he added.

The state unit has an office at the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges at Tughlakabad but it’s not functional. “The office should be opened on a regular basis,” said Sethi. But DSRA president Harinder Singh Bedi, who was re-elected recently, said all was well with the state unit. “We even have a programme for school students,” he said.

Asked why the DSRA enhanced the life membership fee from Rs 1,000 to Rs 7,500, the main reason for shooters leaving en masse to the other states, Bedi said the fee was nominal. “It (fee) is absolutely nominal. If someone can’t afford it, then shooting isn’t the discipline to pursue,” Bedi was categorical.

Bedi also said that a shooter was eligible to represent Delhi only if he or she became a life member. But since many haven’t renewed their membership, Delhi do not have a team worth its name to fetch medals in national competitions.

As for the enhancement of the fee, Bedi said the money was being utilised for the development of the sport. “We try to help shooters to prepare themselves for the national competitions,” he said.