Shooting Championship

By Our Reporter

SHILLONG, JULY 15: The 5^th North East Zone Shooting Championship 2017 had its formal inauguration at the Assam Regimental Centre in Happy Valley here today.

Over 200 shooters from five North East states and a Services team are taking part in the July 15-20 tournament, which is being conducted by the Shooting Association of Meghalaya (SAM) under the aegis of the National Rifle Association of India in collaboration with North Eastern Council and the Meghalaya Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

Speaking at the inaugural function, SAM President John Kharshiing informed that, with 158 males and 63 females, this year’s event has set a new record for participants. He also added a hope that the three North East states not represented – Sikkim, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh – will be able to take part next year.

Also present was SAM Vice-President HM Shangpliang, who thanked the Assam Regimental Centre for providing their venue to host the tournament.

“We are working with the government at the state and central levels to bring about our own shooting range so that shooters of our state can further excel. The North East loves shooting and I encourage you to continue pursuing your sport and take it seriously,” he added.

The chief guest on the occasion was Frederick Roy Kharkongor, Chief Electoral Officer of Meghalaya.

In his speech, he described shooting as a “very challenging sport” and said that he was gratified to learn that more than 200 shooters are taking part.

“We hope that you will also be a part of the 2022 National Games, which Meghalaya has successfully bid for. This tournament will be part of your journey to greatness,” he added.

The competition has been divided into youth, junior and senior categories. The events include 10m rifle, 10m pistol, 50m rifle prone, 50m rifle 3-position, 25m standard pistol, 25m sports pistol and 25m centre fire pistol. Today was dedicated to practice and the competitive matches will begin from tomorrow.

Assam has the largest contingent with 69 shooters. The others are Manipur (59), Mizoram (30), Meghalaya (29), Nagaland (19) and Services (5).