Saurabh Chaudhary says Amit Sheoran not his coach, asks NRAI to not give him cash award

Vinayak Padmadeo

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Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 28

Pistol shooter Saurabh Chaudhary has broken ranks with his long-time coach Amit Sheoran. Chaudhary, who is currently part of the Indian camp preparing for the ISSF Presidents Cup that starts on November 3, has said he is no longer training with Sheoran.

Sheoran is Chaudhary’s first coach, and reports last week suggested that he is currently undergoing treatment for a severe heart infection. Sheoran has pleaded with the authorities, including the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), to clear cash awards due to him to help him out during this emergency.

However, Chaudhary has written to NRAI asking it to not release any money for Sheoran. “He has used my name in this issue without even informing me. I got to know of it only through news articles. He has collected over six lakhs already,” Chaudhary wrote in his letter, a copy of which is with The Tribune.

“I gave him Rs40,000 every month as fees. I had further handed him Rs2 lakh before the Olympics even when he was not training me. There is some construction work happening in his house and I think all this is because he wants to use the money in construction. So it is my request to not release any money in my name. He is not my personal coach anymore,” the letter added.

Sheoran was taken aback by this development. “I have been trying to speak to Saurabh for a week now but I think he is busy with preparations,” Sheoran told The Tribune. “I am OK If he now says I am not his coach anymore but I have been his coach since he started. I am only asking for a share in cash awards when I was his coach for the year 2018.”

After Chaudhary’s letter, however, Sheoran will now have to approach the Sports Ministry to get his dues. For the record, the Sports Ministry has earmarked 30% of its prize funds for coaches, including those who scout and train new talent.