Yogi approves Rs 4.5 lakh to pave shooter Priya Singh's road to World Cup

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has sanctioned Rs 4.5 lakh for shooter Priya Singh, who was on the verge of missing out on the ISSF Junior World Cup due to a lack of funds.


"As soon as I came to know about it, I instantly approved an amount of Rs 4.5 lakh to be provided to her by state government. Meerut District Magistrate has been asked to arrange her conveyance," Yogi told news agency ANI today.



The amount will comfortably fund the 19-year-old shooter's travel to

Germany

and her accomodation at the annual sporting event.

Read Also | SAI backs Priya Singh, says shooter will be looked after

Help started pouring in after TOI reported that Priya, who made it to the event with a borrowed rifle, did not have the finances to support her career since the government only provides assistance to the top three - Priya had finished fourth.

SAI Director General Neelam Kapur today offered to help the shooter. Accoring to a tweet sent out by Kapur, Priya "will be provided all facilities to help her improve her scores and make it to the Indian team."



Priya and her father, 50-year-old labourer Brijpal Singh, previously approached everyone - from CM Yogi Adityanath to Prime Minister Narendra Modi - for financial aid. "I work under a contractor and earn Rs 10,000 a month. I use this amount to feed my family, including my four children," Brijpal had told TOI.

He said he also spoke with moneylenders but they were not willing to give him a loan.

National Rifle Association

of India (NRAI) secretary Rajiv Bhatia had earlier told TOI that it fully supports Priya and they are helping her out with the gun permit so that she is able to participate in the event.

"As far as financial assistance is concerned, our hands are tied. The government takes care of all expenses, including ammunition, for the top three participants. The remaining ones have to take care of their travel and stay," Bhatia had said.