Shillong: In a significant step towards promoting shooting sports in Meghalaya, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday (July 8) between the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the Shooting Association of Meghalaya (SAM) and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs in the presence of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma at the Chief Minister’s Office in Shillong.
The tripartite agreement marks a new chapter in Meghalaya’s sporting journey, aimed at nurturing talent, improving infrastructure, and creating a robust ecosystem for shooting disciplines in the state.
Being the host State of the 39th National Games in 2027, the signing of the MoU signifies a crucial development for boosting Meghalaya’s shooting infrastructure.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), made a detailed presentation to CM Conrad K Sangma, highlighting the achievements of Indian shooters on the global stage and the vision for developing world-class shooting sports infrastructure in the country.
The Chief Minister expressed keen interest in the initiative and extended his full support to the proposal.
During the interaction, Neil Sootinck, Member of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, presented the plans for a state-of-the-art shooting range to be established at Mawkhanu, poised to be the first of its kind in the Northeast region.
Under the MoU, NRAI will extend technical expertise and logistical support to SAM in planning and organising official NRAI-recognised tournaments, events, and competitions in Meghalaya.
This includes the potential hosting of national and international shooting events, thereby giving local athletes the opportunity to compete and gain exposure at a high level.
The Shooting Association of Meghalaya (SAM) will work to ensure active coordination among all stakeholders involved in the initiatives, ensuring seamless planning and execution. The association will also focus on grassroots mobilisation, talent scouting, and community engagement to build interest and participation in the sport.
The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) has agreed to provide its support, wherever necessary and appropriate, in facilitating permissions and clearances from relevant authorities for the smooth conduct of shooting activities across the state.
This MoU aligns with the Meghalaya government’s broader vision to nurture sporting talent across diverse disciplines and elevate Meghalaya’s standing on the national sports map. The move is also expected to catalyse future investments in sports infrastructure, training academies, and competitions within the state.
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The agreement signals a promising future for aspiring shooters in the region and reinforces Meghalaya’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports through strategic partnerships and focused grassroots efforts.
