Shillong, July 8 : In a pivotal move set to transform the landscape of shooting sports in Meghalaya, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today between the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), the Shooting Association of Meghalaya (SAM), and the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya. The signing ceremony took place at the Chief Minister’s Office in Shillong, with the Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Conrad K Sangma, in attendance.
This tripartite agreement marks a new chapter for sports in Meghalaya, focusing on nurturing talent, enhancing infrastructure, and establishing a robust ecosystem for shooting disciplines within the state. This development is particularly significant as Meghalaya prepares to host the 39th National Games in 2027, making the boost to shooting infrastructure crucial.
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the NRAI, presented a detailed overview to Chief Minister Sangma, highlighting the achievements of Indian shooters globally and outlining the vision for developing world-class shooting sports infrastructure across the country. The Chief Minister expressed strong interest and pledged his full support for the initiative.
During the interaction, Neil Sootinck, a Member of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art shooting range to be built at Mawkhanu. This facility is poised to be the first of its kind in the Northeast region.
Under the terms of the MoU, the NRAI will provide technical expertise and logistical support to SAM for planning and organizing official NRAI-recognized tournaments, events, and competitions in Meghalaya. This collaboration could potentially lead to Meghalaya hosting national and international shooting events, offering local athletes valuable opportunities for high-level competition and exposure.
The Shooting Association of Meghalaya (SAM) will be responsible for ensuring active coordination among all stakeholders involved, facilitating seamless planning and execution of initiatives. SAM will also concentrate on grassroots mobilization, talent scouting, and community engagement to foster greater interest and participation in the sport.
The Directorate of Sports & Youth Affairs (DSYA) has committed to providing necessary support, including facilitating permissions and clearances from relevant authorities, to ensure the smooth conduct of planned shooting activities across the state.
This MoU aligns with the Government of Meghalaya’s broader vision of nurturing sporting talent across various disciplines and elevating the state’s standing on the national sports map. The agreement is also expected to stimulate future investments in sports infrastructure, training academies, and competitions within Meghalaya.
This strategic partnership signals a promising future for aspiring shooters in the region and reinforces Meghalaya’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports through strategic collaborations and focused grassroots efforts.
