Manipur shooters set target for 38th National Games in Uttarakhand

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jan 24: Manipur is sending eight shooters in the 38th National Games in Uttarakhand, which has been scheduled to be held from January 28 to February 14.
Part of a more than 300-strong Manipur contingent, the eight shooters have set their eyes on the target--win as many medals as they can and bring laurels for the State.
To keep their spirit high and focused, the Manipur Rifle Association (MRA) has initiated an all-out effort to train them. Intense practice sessions are on at its Shooting Range.
“Our shooters have already started regular practice sessions here for the ensuing 38th National Games since the past few weeks,” says State Shooting Team Manager Amakcham Olen Meitei.
He said a 10-member team including eight shooters and two officials will represent Manipur in four events in the National Games in Uttarakhand.
Notably, 9 shooters and officials represented Manipur in the 37th National Games in Goa.
For the 8 shooters this year, regular practice sessions are underway at the MRA Shooting Range Complex at Taothong Lamshang in Imphal West district, Olen said.
The eight shooters include six men and two women.
The 6 men shooters are Usham Christopher, Phurailatpam Rahul Sharma, Kangjam Prem Singh, Davidson Khumbong-mayum, Rohan Thangjam and Arvind Irungbam.
The women shooters are Pukhrambam Bidyalaxmi Devi and Nikita Khulem.
The eight will compete in four shooting events-namely Air Pistol, Air Rifle, Air Pistol-Air Rifle (Mixed) and 3-Position.
Christopher, Rahul, Prem, Davidson, Rohan and Arvind will compete in the 10M Air Pistol Men (individual).
Rahul, Bidyalaxmi and Nikita will compete in the 10M Air Pistol (Mixed Team).
Davidson will take part in 50M 3-Position Men (individual).
Bidyalaxmi and Nikita will compete in the 10M Air Pistol Women (individual).
The shooting events will start from January 28 onwards till February 6, said Team Manager Amakcham Olen.
"Compared to other States, Manipur lacks adequate shooting infrastructure. But, our players are motivated and they are ready to give our best in the Games," Olen said.
Olen expressed that the State Government must improve the existing infra- structure in par with other States for "our players to win medals and bring laurels".
Amakcham Olen and Shooting Coach Leishang-them Tomba will lead the State team.
with inputs from MOA Media Team