Kiren Rijiju: Elite, Khelo India shooters to continue training at home range
Follow Us
Kiren Rijiju
Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Kiren Rijiju announced on Wednesday that Indian shooters will be able to train without having to travel out from their home ranges amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Ammunition will be provided to all accredited academies at their doorstep.
“It is important that athletes, especially 2024 and 2028 Olympic probables get a chance to continue their training wherever they are in the country. They may not be able to visit KSSR or other academies owing to the Covid-19 situation,” the sportsm minister said.
“However, many of them practice in their home range as well as in facilities near their homes. We want to ensure that their training is in no way compromised because of lack of availability of ammunition. Athletes can collect whatever they need from KSSR and other accredited academies and continue their sporting activities,” he said.
We can continue our Olympic training: Anish Bhanwala
Shooters don’t have to come to Dr KSSR. A total of 253 Indian shooters can now train at a sporting facility convenient across elite, developmental and Khelo India athletes.
Elite shooters like Apurvi Chandela, Anjum Moudgil, Saurabh Chaudhary and several others will have the advantage of training in their hometowns.
Speaking about the decision, elite shooter Anish Bhanwala, who interacted with Rijiju during his visit, said, “It felt great that Minister sir came to meet us and enquire about our needs. If we can get the ammunition and practice at a range which is closer to our homes it will not just ensure our safety during Covid times but also allow us to devote more time to training.”
“I am sure elite shooters who do not live in Delhi will benefit hugely from this decision. This will ensure that we can continue our Olympic training,” she added
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has planned to organise a crucial training camp for its Olympic group from August 1 but postponed due to rising COVID-19 case across the nation.
15 Indian shooters have secured their places for the Olympic Games, suspended to next year due to the pandemic.
Earlier in the day, Rijiju had tweeted alongside pictures of his visit, “Checked the facilities at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range. Training has resumed and all health safety measures are in place.”
“Taken decision that best quality ammunition for our top shooters will be made available at their doorsteps wherever they are practising,” Rijiju tweeted alongside pictures of his visit to the range.”
Also read: Shooting could be his next sport: Shimon Sharif praises MS Dhoni’s shooting abilities
Stay Updated!
Shivani Tyagi
(231 Articles Published)