BHUBANESWAR 12-Dec-2013 160
It was a case of better late than never for Odisha shooters, who received a bronze medal more than two months after their performance in the 5th East Zone Shooting Championship held at Asansol in West Bengal.
According to Odisha Rifle Association secretary Hari Prasad Patnaik, a three member state team, comprising Alok Saha, Anil Kumar Parida and Sashi Bhusan Chaini, finished third in the 10 metre air rifle event. But they were denied the medal as the result was withheld due to the fault of the match officials.
Though the team manager lodged a protest, the shooters had to return home empty-handed. However, after thorough scrutiny by National Rifle Association of India and the match officials of the competition, it was decided to give the medal to the Odisha team.
The three shooters went to Kolkata after getting an invitation from West Bengal Rifle Association and received the medal there yesterday.
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PHOTO: Odisha shooters (L to R) Alok Saha, Anil Kumar Parida and Sashi Bhusan Chaini with their medals in Bhubaneswar on Dec 12, 2013.
