Scheduled caste talents in sports

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Priya Singh

Sandeep Rai, She’s shot her way to a Jr World Cup spot, but can’t afford to go, June 9, 2018: The Times of India

Priya Singh,19, has defied odds to shoot her way to glory. Daughter of a Dalit labourer in Meerut’s Mawana subdivision, she is one of six candidates shortlisted to represent India in the 50m rifle prone at the ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, from June 22.

I work under a contractor and earn Rs 10,000 a month. I use this amount to feed my family, including my four children,”[her father] Brijpal Singh, 50, told TOI.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) secretary Rajiv Bhatia told TOI, “We fully support Priya and we are helping her out with the gun license permit so that she is able to participate in the Suhl event. As far as financial assistance is concerned, our hands are tied. The government takes care of all expenses, including ammunition, for the top three participants. The remaining have to take care of their travel and stay.”

Priya does not have a rifle of her own. Provided equipment by the National Cadet Corps (NCC), of which she was a cadet until 2017, she won 17 medals between 2014 and 2017, including gold in the All India National Shooting Championship in 2016 and 2017. However, 2017 was the last time she participated in a competition as bidding farewell to NCC meant unavailability of a gun. A recipient of Raksha Mantri Award and the prestigious Governor’s Medal, she was selected to be part of the Indian squad for the Junior World Cup in January this year.

“I received a copy of the letter of invitation written by the German Shooting Federation to National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on May 22." Priya told TOI.

According to the Indian junior team coach at NRAI, Deepak Dubey, “She is indeed a rare talent. If given an opportunity, she can do wonders for the country. Unfortunately, financial constraints are jeopardizing her budding career. With the association’s help, she has got her visa.