The World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup in India has been marred by internal strife within the Local Organizing Committee (LOC). Deepa Malik, the LOC head and former Paralympic Committee of India (PCI) president, has accused Gursharan Singh’s wife, Lata Singh, of interfering in the event’s opening ceremony.
In a letter to PCI, the Sports Authority of India, and the union sports ministry, Malik detailed Lata Singh’s alleged violations. She claimed that Lata Singh presented herself as an official, controlled the broadcasting team, disrupted camerapersons, and entered restricted areas. Malik also accused her of interfering in an official interaction between senior WSPS officials.
Malik’s letter cited a PCI executive committee meeting in January where concerns were raised about Lata Singh’s “interference” in PCI matters. It was decided that no family member of any governing board member would be entrusted with any responsibility.
Responding to the allegations, Gursharan Singh defended his wife’s actions. He claimed that she was merely assisting volunteers and had the necessary accreditation. He questioned Malik’s implication that Lata Singh was not allowed to attend the competition venue.
The internal conflict within the LOC has raised concerns about the smooth running of the WSPS World Cup. Malik has urged Gursharan Singh to advise his wife to refrain from interfering in official proceedings. The PCI has yet to respond to Malik’s letter.
The allegations of interference have cast a shadow over the event, which is intended to showcase the skills of para-athletes from around the world. The WSPS World Cup is a qualifying event for the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris.
