The Sports Authority of India has received requests through NRAI for the vaccination of two skeet shooters Angad Vir Singh Bajwa and Mairaj Ahmed Khan who are shooting in Italy.
The former needs his second dose and the latter requiring his first since he has recovered from a Covid infection just over a month ago. For the vaccination of the skeet shooters, the National Rifle Association of India intimated SAI on June 10.
The Embassy of India in Rome has taken the issue up with the concerned Italian authorities and is working towards organizing vaccine doses for both. The SAI and Embassy are in touch with both athletes to help resolve the issue. The Italian government’s health department has requested details of athletes with regards to their past Covid history, which have been furnished.
As for the extension of the gun permits and visas of the two shooters and visa of the physical trainer Jitender Arya till July 18, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has already written to the Ministry of External Affairs for assistance.
Since Italian authorities have said the visas of those already in Italy cannot be extended as per rules, the Embassy of India in Rome has taken it up with the Italian Olympic Committee to help secure the extension of visas. Both athletes are likely to travel to Croatia for the World cup from Italy.
The Indian Government has also made backup arrangements for their vaccination in Croatia in the event of vaccination not taking place in Italy so that both athletes get two doses before their travel to Tokyo.
SAI, Indian Embassy in Rome working with local authorities to resolve skeet shooters’ concerns
ByVishal Sharma
Jun 17, 2021
By Vishal Sharma
Vishal is a technology enthusiast with journalistic leanings. He was one of the first bloggers in India, coming online in 1994, even before the internet was available on a widespread basis in India. Vishal is a cybersecurity consultant working as an independent contractor for Google. A journalist with a career spanning over 20 years, he has worked for several national English dailies including The Pioneer, Indian Express, Business Standard, and more. He has also worked for Indo-American Times, and India Monthly magazine, based in the United States of America. Besides being on the editorial board of Vijayupadhyay.com, he also publishes Indian Talent Magazine, an internationally acclaimed talent promotion publication. He has extensive experience in corporate branding, online publishing, and advertising. He started Vikirna Mediatek in 2018 with a vision to bring affordable technology solutions to the common masses of an India which is fast becoming Digital, walking on the path that was heralded by the late Prime Minister of India Rajiv Gandhi and forwarded by the current Prime Minister Narendra Modi.