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On August 30th, 2004, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore rewrote the Indian sporting history books, after winning the bronze medal at the 2004 Olympics in the double trap shooting event. This was the first ever individual silver medal won by an Indian, post independence. However, close to a decade after the historic feat, some of India’s top double trap shooters are struggling to make ends meet.
Yoginder Pal Singh might not be a name synonymous with the Indian sporting landscape, but his achievements at both the national and international level have brought pride to the nation.
Winning the Team gold at Asian Shotgun Championship
Singh himself admits that Rathore was instrumental in him picking up the sport. In fact, at the 2011 NRAI shooting invitational, he narrowly missed out on beating Rathore. He would also partner him in the team event of the Asian Championship, the very same year.
But, since 2012, the ace shooter has not been able to garner funds to attend tournaments, around the world, despite qualifying for them. He said, “Shooting is an expensive sport and unfortunately, I have barely got any help from corporate sponsors and SAI.”
The Sports Authority of India (SAI) only finances the top three shooters in India, before big tournaments. Singh added, “It’s not a hidden fact that shooting is an expensive sport, but it becomes extremely difficult, “National level tournaments cost at least Rs 1 lakh per player whereas international tournaments can cost up to Rs 2 lakhs. So every year we end up spending at least Rs 7-8 lakh, so how do you expect us to bear the entire cost?”
It was in 2011 that Singh announced himself on the national stage. After winning the silver medal at the National Games, he went onto win his maiden continental level medal at the Asian Shotgun Championship. His bronze medal was followed by a gold medal in the team event. The year went from better to best as he shot his personal best of 141/150, also securing a second place at the Fiocchi Cup in Slovenia.
Lack of financial help provided by Sports Authority of India (SAI)
At one point, he was India’s second best double trap shooter, but post-2011 Singh’s career has taken a downward curve. “ When SAI offered us facilities prior to the Olympic qualification process, the facilities were there. They were actively funding us and the results were there to see. But, post the Olympics everything stopped.”
He added, “No camps, no training and no corporate sponsors and come to think of it, we had medalled at the Olympics at the event. Every edition of the National Games, shooters pay Rs 15,000 from their own pocket to participate.”
The lack of funds has forced Singh to start coaching young kids. Now, most of the Junior national team consists of shooters, who were tutored by him. In 2014, 12-year old Shapath Bhardwaj became the youngest member of the junior shooting squad. His coach? You guessed right, Yoginder Pal Singh.
Despite coaching several junior to top honours, Singh has still struggled to make ends meet for his shooting career.
No Corporate sponsors despite achievements
Even corporate sponsors have been difficult to garner, Singh said, “whenever I try to approach any sponsors, they tell me that they would rather sponsor Saina Nehwal or Mary Kom from the ‘other’ sports.” He added, “If we stay with this mentality, how will we become a sporting nation.”
The New Delhi based marksman has already qualified for several international events this year, including the ISSF Shotgun Championship and the Asian Championship. He said, “For the National Championship, I need close to a lakh and for the National Championship, double the amount.”
Another problem for double trap shooters is equipment garnering. The exorbitant price of cartridges and the lack of availability has been a huge problem. One single shooter can only import 15,000 cartridges at one time, which is close to nothing.
Singh said, “When I started shooting, we used to hang around near the range so that we could get 5 cartridges from someone. A lot of the times, we didn’t get anything, but it was worth the wait.” He added that former world number one Ronjan Singh Sodhi has been of immense help.
He said, “During my tough times, when I had no hope, Sodhi came and gave me 5,000 of his cartridges to practice. He has been no less than an elder brother to me.”
With just a year to go for the Rio Olympics, chances of qualifying look bleak for Singh. The current expenses apart from travelling also include, gun, ammunition, clay targets, shooting gear, coaching assistance.
He said, “I don’t think I can get a sponsor now, I have been out of training for too long, don’t know when I can get the finances for tournaments.”
Despite winning so many accolades for India, Singh has been left out in the cold by the association. From Delhi to Kuala Lumpur, he has made India proud at every step let’s hope Singh gets another opportunity to be trigger-happy again. He said, “A sponsor gave me a gun at half the price recently, I’ve been shooting better and these are signs for good things to come.”
If you want to help Yoginder reach the ISSF World Cup, please donate here: https://www.bitgiving.com/project/index/id/BIT177
Medallin sports, a sports management firm from Delhi is currently helping Yoginder generate funds for his training.
