By Our Sports Reporter IMPHAL, Jul 29 : The 29th Manipur Shooting Competition, 2019 organised by Manipur Rifle Association kicked off today at Shooting Range, Khuman Lampak in the presence of Bobby Waikhom (IAS), Commissioner Youth Affairs and Sports as chief guest. The inaugural function of the competition which will be see 31 female and 85 male shooters from across 6 units of Manipur Rifle Association compete in different Air Pistol and Rifle events, was also attended by Vikram Huidrom, Nongmaithem Jadumani Singh, General Secretary, Manipur State Panchayat Parishad and Rajchandra Singh, president Manipur Rifle Association as presidium members. In his address, Bobby Waikhom urged all organisations and bodies to regularly hold general body meeting and update the necessary reports and proceedings to the Registrar to avoid unnecessary issues and improve transparency of the bodies. Bobby Waikhom, while lamenting the condition of the competition venue, said that the shooting range was developed with an aim to facilitate the 1999 National Games hosted by the State. But the facility which was almost structure two decades away has deteriorated considerably and need a total renovation and development, he said. He also mentioned that a proposal for updation under the Khelo India Scheme has been sent and a visible change is expected soon. The chief guest also noted that a stadium is like a temple for players and it would be inappropriate to litter and carry out nefarious activities at such a sacred place. He also urged all to use all equipments and kits dearly as far as possible during the occasion. Guest of honour, Vikram Huidrom also encouraged the shooters to approach in the right direction with utmost dedication and discipline in his speech today. He also wished the shooters a successful career and urged to enjoy quotas and reservation being provided to the athletes in educational and employment spheres. Functional president, M Rajchandra also stressed on the need to open more shooting clubs to produce more shooters in the State. Manipur Rifle Association is making all possible effort to institute shooting clubs in Moirang, Kakching and Senapati, he added. Rajchandra also drew attention of YAS Commissioner to appoint State shooting coach, the post which has been lying vacant for some time now, at the earliest. Rajchandra also contended that the association is working relentlessly to complete installation of district level shooting complexes within this year. He also apprised Youth and Sports Department the conditions of fire arms being used by the associations and urged for necessary upgradation. The competition will conclude on August 4.
