In a freak accident, an arrow shot by a trainee pierced the throat of a 14-year-old girl archer, Fazila Khatun, at a Sports Authority of India centre in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on Monday.
Fazila Khatun was admitted to the Bolpur Sub-divisional Hospital with the arrow stuck to her throat. Hospital sources said she was operated and the arrow was removed.
Young archer Jewel Shaikh was practising at the SAI’s Special Area Games centre Kabiguru Krirangan when the girl suddenly came close to him.
“Four of us were training.. The turn of the other two got over and then I and the girl were practising. I was shooting, and the girl suddenly came close. And she was hit,” he said.
Fazila said she had not noticed that Jewel was practising.
“I did not notice that he was shooting arrows. I came close and was hit,” she said, adding none of the trainers were present at the spot when the accident occurred.
Doctors said she was now out of danger.