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regular-article-logo Wednesday, 24 April 2024

India para shuttlers, coach safe in Kampala

Two bomb blasts led to the death of at least three civilians and caused chaos in the city

PTI Published 17.11.21, 01:28 AM
Pramod Bhagat.

Pramod Bhagat. File Photo.

India’s para shuttlers competing at the Uganda para badminton international suffered a jolt when there were multiple explosions near the team hotel at the capital city of Kampala on Tuesday.

The two bomb blasts led to the death of at least three civilians and caused chaos in Kampala as terrified residents fled the city’s centre.

The chief coach of India team, Gaurav Khanna, said the blasts happened around 100 metres away from the hotel but everyone is safe and there is nothing to worry.

“Some players were leaving for the badminton hall when there was this blast. It led to lot of chaos on the street. We also immediately went back but now things are fine. We have spoken to the embassy and there is nothing to worry,” Khanna said.

“It won’t have any affect on our schedule and the tournament also goes on. We have a big contingent, including 54 players who are competing in the tournament.” According to the local police, it was a coordinated attack by extremists and three suicide bombers died in the blasts.

Tokyo Paralympic gold medallist Pramod Bhagat, who is part of the Indian contingent participating in the tournament, also said they were safe. “We are safe. There was a blast. Nothing to worry. It has not affected our schedule. We didn’t feel it much. There was little chaos but everyone is safe and the tournament will go on as schedule,” Bhagat said.

“We are 15 Indians players in this hotel, there are 15-20 players in another hotel but all are safe.” The Para Badminton India took to social media to inform about the players’ safety. “Indian Team is Safe!There is multiple Bomb Blast 100 mtr away from the official Hotel,” it tweeted.

The event will end on November 21.

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