On a holiday in his hometown, ace shooter Gagan Narang got a jolt from the blue. The Maharashtra Government on Friday served a notice on the London Olympics bronze medallist, asking him to vacate his ‘Gun For Glory’ shooting academy from the premises of Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune by March 31.
“I am shocked,” exclaimed the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna awardee. “I just cannot understand the logic in this move. We have been paying annual rent to the Government, and we have been very successful in shaping young talent besides training the internationals as our results show,” explained the 29-year-old.
“In fact, I was expecting a pat on the back for all the good work done in Pune and was hoping to be given all cooperation in reciprocating this kind of initiative by having similar academies across Maharashtra and also in other States,” said a crestfallen Gagan, winner of eight gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
“It is a total contrast to the positive signals we got from the higher-ups of the Government. We have even sought an appointment with the Maharashtra Chief Minister on the issue,” he said.
The ace shooter is also holding discussions with the Andhra Pradesh Government for setting up an academy in Hyderabad though he is not too happy with the way they are progressing.
Keywords: Gun For Glory, Gagan Narang, Maharashtra Government
Dear Editor,
It is an unfortunate situation when our Olympic champion is denied a chance to coach and create future champions.
If there is a way for a commoner like to me to help this wonderful effort, kindly publish that information.
It is time the Government stops talking big and starts acting.
Rather wait for the selfish government to do something, it would be good if public started their drive to ensure we get more medals in the next Olympics.
Please Email the Editor