Gangtok, June 12:A press briefing was organised by the Sikkim Rifle Association regarding the upcoming Sikkim State Shooting Championship 2026, scheduled to be held on 13 and 14 June 2026, at the Sikkim Rifle and Pistol Academy, Tadong, today.
The briefing was addressed by President Sikkim Rifle Association, Sanjay Budhathoki, General Secretary, Shooting Association of Meghalaya and also Governing body of National Rifle Association, India, Neil Sootinck, Jury Member and National Shooter, Anjali Singh, General Secretary, Sikkim Rifle Association, Sonam Lepcha.
The briefing highlighted the growth of shooting sports in Sikkim, the objectives of the championship, and the Association’s future initiatives aimed at further promoting and developing the sport across the state.
The championship will bring together shooters from various districts of Sikkim competing in different rifle and pistol events. The event is expected to provide a valuable platform for identifying talent, fostering competitive excellence, and advancing the development of shooting sports in the state.
President, Sikkim Rifle Association, Sanjay Budhathoki, highlighted that shooting as a sport is witnessing steady growth in Sikkim. Elaborating on the activities of the Association, he highlighted the various rifle and pistol disciplines that will feature in the championship and noted that the event is the first of its kind in the state.
He further informed that the jury officials for the championship are members of the National Rifle Association of India . Emphasising that shooting is an Olympic sport, he underscored the importance of promoting the discipline to encourage greater participation from the state at national and international levels, particularly as the sport has no upper age limit.
Budhathoki also shared that the winners of the championship will qualify to participate in the North East Zone Championship. He highlighted the inclusive nature of the sport, noting that the youngest participant in the championship is eight years old, while the oldest is 64 years old. A total of 22 shooters will be competing in the event, he added.
In his address, General Secretary, Shooting Association of Meghalaya and also Governing body of National Rifle Association, India, Neil Sootinck, expressed appreciation for being present at the Sikkim State Shooting Championship. He stated he will be overseeing the conduct of the championship and ensure that it is organised in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the National Rifle Association of India.
He noted that shooting is an emerging sport in Sikkim with significant potential for growth. Highlighting shooting as an Olympic-recognised discipline, Sootinck emphasised the importance of promoting the sport among young athletes. He further remarked that shooting not only develops technical skills but also teaches participants the art of concentration, discipline, and mental focus.
