Indian shooters’ Olympics preparation has taken a hit with the delay in commencement of the National camp for the second time in a fortnight due to unavailability of ammunition. This situation has arisen due to Sports Authority of India’s new guideline directing state associations to provide equipment to the participants.

Rajasthan Rifle Shooting Association president Sushil Chowdhary said that the camp was slated to begin here on Monday but none of the 33 shooters had turned up.

“We were waiting for the shooters but none turned up. There is problem of the availability of ammunition. We were in touch with the National Rifle Shooting Association but they too were worried about the new SAI guidelines,” he said.

As per SAI guidelines, the onus is on federations to arrange for equipment required during national camps and the incurred expenditure is to be reimbursed later. “It is difficult for the associations to import equipment and it is expensive too,” Chowdhary said.

The Asian clay shooting commences on February 21 and Olympics too are not far away. “The shooters, including those who have qualified for the Olympic Games, are the worst hit,” he added.

Earlier, the camp in Delhi from February one could not be start due to the same problem. Some shooters brought their own ammunition and the camp started on Feb ruary five.