Archer Shivangini injured during practice

Hyderabad: Twelve-year-old archer Shivangini was struck by an arrow released from a fellow archer during their unsanctioned training session at the Sports Authority of India’s extension centre in Chabua, Assam, on Thursday.

Speaking to this newspaper, Sports Secretary, R. S. Julaniya confirmed, “The girl was training at a SAI extension centre in Chabua. It is a day boarding premise and coaches also leave after their stipulated working hours. The girl along with other archers was training without any supervision. As the girl passed through the range, she was hit by an unmarked arrow on her back. She was immediately brought to Guwahati and flown to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi for further treatment.”

“Dr Nayak has been briefed about the situation and the girl is under his care. I do not have any more details as I just got to know about the incident myself,” he added.

Asked as to why was the Chabua centre was left unsupervised, Julaniya replied, “The head of the centre is in Guwahati for the Khelo India Games. Like I said before, it is an extension centre and not a proper SAI centre where we have fixed training hours. It’s like a football ground. Anyone can come and train.”
Shivangini is slated to undergo a surgery at the Safdarjung Trauma Centre, Delhi.