Girl archer s throat pierced by arrow, out of danger

Kolkata Oct 30 (IANS) In a freak accident an arrow shot by a trainee pierced the throat of a 14-year-old girl archer 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. --IANS ssp/vd