First-Ever Sikkim State Shooting Championship Concludes; 12 Shooters Qualify for Zonal and Pre-National Events
Gangtok, June 14 (IPR): Minister for Health and Family Welfare Department, Government of Sikkim, GT Dhungel, today declared the first-ever Sikkim State Shooting Championship 2026 closed at the Sikkim Rifle and Pistol Academy in Gangtok.
The two-day championship, organised by the Sikkim Rifle Association (SRA), witnessed the participation of 22 shooters competing in the 10-metre Air Pistol and 10-metre Peep Sight Air Rifle events across various categories.
The championship also served as the qualifying event for the forthcoming North East Zone Championship and Pre-National Shooting Championship.The closing ceremony was attended by Minister GT Dhungel as the chief guest and Tadong Ward Councillor Sonam Pintso Bhutia as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the SRA for successfully organising the inaugural championship and described it as a significant step towards broadening the sporting landscape of Sikkim.
Reiterating the vision of Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang towards promoting sports, creativity and youth development, he stated that the government remains committed to creating platforms and opportunities for young people to pursue their talents and aspirations.
Encouraging the youth to make full use of such opportunities, Dhungel urged them to follow their passion with dedication and sincerity. He stressed that success comes through perseverance, hard work and wholehearted commitment, and called upon parents to support and encourage their children’s interests and ambitions.
Expressing appreciation to the organisers, the Minister thanked SRA President Sanjay Budhathoki and his team for successfully conducting the championship and laying the foundation for the growth of shooting sports in the state.
Describing the event as the beginning of a larger journey, he assured the government’s continued support towards the development of the discipline and urged the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to continue guiding and supporting the association in its efforts to nurture shooting talent in Sikkim.
Earlier, the championship was attended by Chairman, State Sports Development Board (SSDB), Government of Sikkim, Rinzing Wangyal Chopel, as chief guest along with President, Sikkim Olympic Association (SOA), C Zangpo Bhutia, as the guest of honour.
Also present were SOA General Secretary, Jaslal Pradhan, executive members of the SOA, representatives of the NRAI, office bearers of the SRA and its district associations, athletes and sports enthusiasts.
Congratulating the SRA for organising the first championship of its kind in the state, Chairman, SSDB, Rinzing Wangyal Chopel, assured the association of the government’s full support and reiterated the Chief Minister’s commitment towards sports development and the vision of a Nasha Mukt Rajya. He emphasised that sports provide a constructive avenue for youth engagement and assured that efforts would be made to facilitate the future growth of shooting sports in Sikkim.
Stating that he considers himself a bridge between sportspersons and the government in his capacity as the first Chairman of the SSDB, Chopel assured that every effort would be made to facilitate the growth of the discipline.
Encouraging the participants to continue striving for excellence, President, SOA, C Zangpo Bhutia, in his brief address, stated that shooting demands exceptional levels of discipline, concentration, physical preparedness and mental endurance. He further commended the association for successfully conducting the championship within a short period of its establishment.
The event was also addressed by General Secretary, Shooting Association of Meghalaya, Neil Sootinck, wherein he welcomed Sikkim into the shooting fraternity and assured the SRA of continued support and cooperation in developing the sport in the state.
The programme also featured a ceremonial shooting demonstration by guests and dignitaries.
The State Shooting Championship 2026 witnessed the participation of 22 shooters competing in the 10-metre Air Pistol and 10-metre Peep Sight Air Rifle events across various categories, including Sub-Youth Men, Youth Women, Senior Men, Senior Women, Master Men and Senior Master Women divisions.
Each participant fired 40 shots, with a maximum attainable score of 400 points. Scores were awarded on a ten-point scale for each shot, based on proximity to the bull’s-eye. The competitions were officiated by Technical Officials, NRAI, Ms Anjali Singh and Mr John Thounaojam, while Balari Shisha Rani of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya oversaw results, timing and scoring.
The results of the championship are as follows:
10m Air Pistol:-
Sub-Youth Men Individual: Tarun Bhujel (Gold)
Youth Women Individual: Susmita Tamang (Gold)
Men Individual: Sherpa Palden Sherpa (Gold), Sashank Thapa (Silver), Rakesh Rai (Bronze)
Women Individual: Anu Chettri (Gold), Ishnuka Rai (Silver), Sriya Chettri (Bronze)
Master Men Individual: Moses Rai (Gold), Laxuman Adhikari (Silver)
Senior Master Women Individual: Sushma Tripathi Bhattarai (Gold)
10m Air Rifle:-
Men Individual: Kishun S. Rajput (Gold), Prabin Tamang (Silver), Tempa Tshering Sherpa (Bronze)
Women Individual: Tshering Yangden Bhutia (Gold), Dipuns Tamang (Silver), Divya Nepal (Bronze)
Master Men Individual: Ashok Gurung (Gold)
Based on their performances in the championship, twelve shooters have qualified to represent Sikkim at the forthcoming North East Zone Championship and Pre-National Shooting Championship.
The qualified athletes are Tarun Bhujel, Susmita Tamang, Anu Chettri, Ishnuka Rai, Sriya Chettri, Prabina Gurung, Moses Rai, Laxuman Adhikari, Kishun S. Rajput, Prabin Tamang, Tshering Yangden Bhutia and Dipuna Tamang.
It may be noted here that the SRA, affiliated with the NRAI, was established in 2024 under the leadership of its President Sanjay Budhathoki with the vision of developing a vibrant shooting sports culture in the state. The association currently operates the first fully equipped indoor shooting facility in Sikkim and has registered 92 members to date, ranging in age from 9 to 64 years.
Notably, the inaugural championship witnessed the participation of 22 shooters, including 14 women athletes, reflecting the growing interest and encouraging involvement of women in the sport.
