Import policy to help shooters

While hailing the new import policy, which allows imports of shooting equipment, shooters have apprehended big positive impact on the game as the sportspersons will be able to use international weapons now.

"The new policy will encourage budding shooters. Shooting is a sport where equipment matters a lot and without upgraded weapons you cannot come up with a good score," said Col. I J Peoples, commanding officer of the Army Marksmanship unit, Mhow.

With the amendment in the import policy now more and more shooters could easily get a world-class weapons and will definitely help in increasing the competition level in the upcoming international shooting events, he added.

"Now any marksman participating in the nationals and qualifying for the subsequent nationals is eligible for the import license that comprises one weapon and 15,000 cartridges in a year, all for duty free", he revealed.

Army shooters including Vijay Kumar and Major Saroja said that the new policy would definitely change the standard of shooting in the country as earlier, the Indian shooters were not able to import the shooting equipment due to heavy duty on it.

Baljit Singh Sethi, General Secretary, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) said "The move is a welcome sign for the budding shooters to join the excellence grade. Shooting is a sport where equipment matters a lot and without the upgraded weapon you cannot come with a good score".

The NRAI has also requested Delhi Chief Minister to waive of the 12.5 per cent Value Added Tax on the sales of the weapons by the national association to its state bodies.

"Sheila Dixit has assured us that in the very near future the state government will wave off the VAT," he added.