Manu Bhaker airport controversy: Shooting champion Manu Bhaker was recently stopped from boarding aΒ flight by the authorities at the Indira Gandhi International airport. Bhaker was travelling to Bhopal's Madhya Pradesh Shooting Academy for training purposes. She was detained at the airport for carrying her shooting equipment and ammunition. However, Bhaker was later allowed to board the flight.
The ace shooter has represented India internationally in such a niche sport but seems the authorities had issues with the guns she was carrying even though she had valid documents and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation's (DGCA) permit for the equipment. Taking to Twitter, Bhaker on Friday complained about the Air India officials for treating her "like a criminal" and not allowing her to board the flight with weapons and ammunition.
Outraged by the incident, the 19-year-old shooter tweeted, "...For my training I need to carry weapons and ammunition, Request @airindiain Officials to give little respect or at least don't Insult players every time...," adding that she was unhappy with the airline as they asked her for extra money. "Top of that Manoj Gupta Air India incharge and other staff is humiliating me despite I have 2 guns and ammunition," the Tokyo Olympics-bound shooter added.
"Think this type behaviour is not acceptable. Manoj Gupta is not even human. He is treating me like I am a criminal. Also his security incharge Such people need basic training of behaviour hopefully Aviation ministry will find out & will send him to right place @HardeepSPuri," she tweeted.
Later, Air India issued a clarification and Bhaker thanked Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Kiren Rijiju for helping her board the flight.
Following this, Indian sportspersons including Jhulan Goswami, Dhanraj Pillay and Harendra Singh-Harry have taken to social media to speak up on the issue
"This is very unfortunate to have such incident occurred, but my association with Air India as an employee and a passenger is remarkable. AI has always set benchmark for showing respect to sports and sportspersons.@airindiain" Goswami tweeted in support.
"Remember there are always 2 sides to a story. As an Olympian & a proud member of the Air India family for over 2 decades, I take great pride in the institution,which has always supported sportspersons & extended all assistance in pursuit of excellence," hockey legend Dhanraj Pillay tweeted.
"Being a ex Airindiain I can say one thing for sure that, Air India is one of organizations which have always supported Sports people from all the discipline. I am proud that I worked & played for Air India @airindiain @kannandelhi," former India hockey player and coach Harendra Singh joined in.
Bhaker is an ISSF World Cup gold-medalist and touted to be one of India's brightest medal hopes at Tokyo Olympics 2021.
Image Credit: Twitter
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