ISSF World Cup: Five shooters test Covid-positive

Vinayak Padmadeo 

Tribune News Service 

New Delhi, March 20

Five shooters, including four from the Indian team, have tested positive for Covid-19.

The fifth is an international shooter from a South American country.

Two Indians and the foreign shooter were kept in isolation from morning and now have been shifted to a nearby hospital.

The test report of two Indians came late on Saturday night. They may be also shifted to the hospital soon.

The development has sent shock waves at the Karni Singh Shooting range, venue for the ISSF World Cup.

All the shooters and their roommates have been put in self-isolation in the team hotel.

Team members of both the national teams have been tested again.

On Thursday, an international rifle shooter was shifted to hospital.

While the three shooters have been ruled out of the competition their roommates’ fate hangs in balance. If their test results — negative report — comes before the start of the competition, only then will they be allowed to take part.

However, in a relief to the teams, the ISSF technical delegate has allowed last-minute changes to the main team and any MQS shooter can replace those who are ruled out due to the detection of the virus.

“We have taken all necessary steps as per the protocol,” a member of the organising committee said.

“Those who are positive have been put in self-isolation. Their roommates, too, are in isolation. We are waiting for their results,” he said.