The 14th State Rifle Shooting Championship was inaugurated today at the newly built 50-meter shooting range of Kalinga Stadium. The championship, scheduled to run until September 4, 2025, will see the participation of more than 200 male and female shooters from across Odisha.
Wide Range of Competitions
This year’s championship features a diverse set of events designed to test shooters’ skills across multiple categories. Competitions include:
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50-meter Rifle Prone
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50-meter Rifle 3P
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25-meter Standard Pistol
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25-meter Sport Pistol
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25-meter Center Pistol
In addition, 10-meter Air Rifle and 10-meter Air Pistol events are being conducted in both NR and ISSF categories at the Utkal Karate School.
Focus on 2036 Olympics
The inauguration ceremony was graced by Sports and Youth Services Minister Shri Suryabanshi Suraj, who attended as the chief guest. In his address, the minister underlined the importance of preparing Odisha for the 2036 Olympics, which India is set to host.
He urged the association’s officials to develop a comprehensive roadmap for the advancement of rifle shooting in Odisha. The minister stressed that strengthening infrastructure and nurturing grassroots talent are key steps toward building a strong pool of international-level athletes.
Key Attendees and Event Leadership
The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including:
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Sushree Gouri Mahanti – President of the Association
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Eng. Chittaranjan – Vice President
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Romeo Kant Nanda – Vice President
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Ashish Nayak – Joint Secretary
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Balbhadra Das – Treasurer
The event was conducted smoothly under the chairmanship of Sushree Gouri Mahanti, who ensured that the proceedings were managed efficiently.
Building Future Champions
The championship is expected to serve as a crucial platform for identifying young shooting talent across Odisha. By providing opportunities for emerging athletes to compete in structured events, the state aims to develop a strong talent pipeline for national and international competitions.
Officials expressed confidence that the event will contribute significantly to Odisha’s growing reputation as a sporting powerhouse and further boost the state’s preparations for upcoming global events.
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