12th Imphal East District Shooting Competition begins

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 25 : District Supply Officer, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution Thingujam Oxford has underscored the need for conserving playgrounds to reignite State’s dwindling sporting prowess.
Oxford was speaking as the chief guest of the inaugural function of the 12th Imphal East District Shooting Competition 2025 at Manipur Rifle Association’s Shooting Range at Taothong, Lamsang.
Oxford, in his address to the gathering, expressed concern over the alarming rate of shrinking of playgrounds across the State and observed that Manipur will not be able to produce athletes in the coming years if the issue is not intervened and strong conservatory steps are taken up.
For the conservation work to succeed, a collective effort is must, he observed.
Yumkham Sobhachandra, Special Contractor, Manipur Police Housing Corporation Ltd; Sorry Senjam, renowned singer; Moirangthem Rachandra, president Manipur Rifle Association and N Indrajit, president, Imphal East District Rifle Association also attended the opening ceremony as presidium members.
Speaking at the occasion, N Indrajit said that the shooting sports’ movement took root late in the State and Manipur’s earliest medal in the National championship came in the year 1973 in the form of a bronze.
State shooter also scripted the National record in 1975 before the movement took a nose dive due to deteriorating Law and Order situation in the State, he noted.
The movement was however revived after two decades with Manipur hosting the 5th National Games in 1999 and the growing support from various sectors. Manipur has also given India few international shooters in the recent years, he added.
The 4-day competition will see 61 shooters from across the district compete for top honours in 31 events.