GANGTOK,: The Sikkim Rifle Association (SRA) held a press conference on Saturday
at the Press Club of Sikkim here to share about their efforts to promote rifle
shooting as a sport in Sikkim.
Key
attendees included SRA president Sanjay Budathoki, general secretary Kishore
Kumar Chettri, publicity secretary Sumit Sharma, and others.
In
his address, SRA president Sanjay Budathoki emphasized the association’s
dedication to promoting rifle shooting as a sport in Sikkim. He highlighted the
achievements of prominent Olympians such as Abhinav Bindra, an Olympic gold
medalist, and Jitu Rai, an Asian Games gold medalist and Khel Ratna Awardee in
2016.
Budathoki
explained that the primary goal of introducing rifle shooting sports to Sikkim
is to provide career opportunities for aspiring athletes. He pointed out that
success in this sport, both at national and international levels, can lead to
job opportunities through the sports quota in various sectors, including the
armed forces and corporate fields. He informed that within the week, the Sikkim
Rifle Association would be officially affiliated with the National Rifle Association,
a significant milestone for the organization.
Budathoki
expressed gratitude towards several individuals and institutions that supported
the association’s efforts, including Chief Minister PS Golay, DGP Akshay
Sachdeva, Sports minister Raju Basnet, Law and Parliamentary Affairs secretary
Suraj Chettri, and others who contributed to the association's registration
with the National Rifle Association.
Further,
the SRA president shared plans for the establishment of shooting ranges in the
State, with the first one to be set up in Gangtok. He emphasized that shooting
is a sport that prioritizes mental stability and precision, rather than
physical strength. He encouraged individuals of all ages and abilities to
consider pursuing a career in the sport, as it is not reliant on age or
physical prowess. He urged the school principals to motivate their students to
engage in shooting sports, fostering a sense of State and national pride
through the achievement of medals.
Budathoki
also emphasized the importance of developing this sport in Sikkim, as it is the
only State in the Northeast without significant participation in shooting
sports.
SRA
publicity secretary Sumit Sharma added that one of the key motivations for
introducing this Olympic-level sport to Sikkim is to boost tourism and elevate
the State’s recognition on the national and international stage.
Drawing
from his personal experience as an ex-NCC cadet and a bronze medalist in
shooting at the Thal Sainik Camp, Sharma explained that shooting sports are
especially beneficial for individuals facing mental challenges, offering them
an opportunity for discipline and mental clarity. He highlighted the sport’s
potential to provide career pathways, particularly for those who are
unemployed.
Sharma
reiterated that athletes who excel in shooting may receive State government
jobs, allowances, and benefits. Those who secure medals at the international
level can gain central government jobs, especially within the defense sector,
through the sports quota, he said.
