India's national junior archery coach may lose vision after freak injury

India’s national junior archery coach Ravi Verma suffered an eye injury after getting hit by an arrow during the National Ranking Tournament. The coach from Punjab suffered this unfortunate accident when he was explaining the technicality to an archer.

While showing the archer, who is preparing for the Youth Commonwealth Games, a technical point, he had the bow pointed away from him, but during the coaching session, the arrow flew backwards and hit him below his right eye.

The impact of the arrow was such that Verma was left with several broken bones and a severe concussion. He had to go under the knife at the AIIMS hospital in Delhi.

He recalled the unfortunate day when the incident occurred saying he does not remember what happened after the arrow hit him.

“I was training two boys for the Youth CWG. I was stretching the bow string when it twisted and I lost control of the arrow. It wasn't a technical fault,” he said.

“It happened so quickly that the arrow hit me right below my right eye. After it hit me, I fell down in pain and don't know what happened after that. When I woke up, I was in the hospital.”

“I may not see again”

The news that his full vision may not return was broken to him by the doctor.

“The doctors say there is a possibility that my full vision may not be restored. The operation was successful but doctors have told me to take precautions,” said Verma.

“I have a serious injury in my right eye, there's blood accumulation there. It's hard to see. I may not see again.”

The Archery Association of India (AAI) secretary Virendra Sachdeva promised to offer him all the help he needs and also paid the cost of the operation.

“The injury was serious, but we are expecting him to recover in a month's time. We will extend all possible help to him,” said Sachdeva.

Verma is a five-time national champion in archery and has been training juniors for a few years.