Manipur hosted the third Northeast Zone Shooting Championship where a large number of enthusiastic participants from the region showcased their skills.
Around 173 shooters from northeastern states participated in the shooting championship at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex in Imphal.
The week-long event was organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) with an aim to promote the sporting talent from the region.
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During the event, participants competed in 10 meters, 25 meters and 50 meters events of pistol and rifle shooting.
Organizing Secretary of Manipur Rifle Association, RK Narendrajit Singh, said that the shooting, as a sport, became popular in the region after National Games were held in Imphal in 1999.
"The shooting trend has come up in the year 1999 when the national games were held in Imphal. After that all the three shooting ranges have been constructed during that time and after that the government of Manipur has purchased all the requirements, arms and equipments for shooting," he said.
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Manipur won the overall championship by bagging a total of 52 medals while Assam was ranked second in the medal tally with 32 medals.
The winners have secured their entry for the national games.
Rishore Chaowdhury, a player from Assam, said that the tournament gave them an opportunity to showcase their talent.
"It is a good opportunity for me to take part in this event as now we are qualified in state level so now if we do well in future then we will be qualified for national game so it's a great opportunity," he said.
"I really like shooting and my parents also encourage me a lot in this field .So, I want to play well and I aim to play at national level," said R K Mamta, shooter from Manipur.
Youngsters in the northeast are naturally inclined towards sports.
Regularly providing them with such platforms to showcase their skills will go a long way in encouraging them to perform better.