In a significant push to position Meghalaya as a future hub for shooting sports, the Government of Meghalaya has entered into a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the Shooting Association of Meghalaya. The agreement, signed in Shillong today, marks a crucial step toward establishing world-class shooting infrastructure, structured training programs, and talent identification systems across the state and the Northeast region.
The agreement was formalized by K Sultan Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, John F Kharshiing, President of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, and DD Shira, Director of Sports & Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya.
The ceremony was held in the presence of Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma and NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, who hailed the collaboration as a defining moment in the sporting journey of the state.
“This collaboration marks a new chapter in the sporting history of Meghalaya. We are proud to partner with NRAI in building a robust ecosystem that empowers our youth to dream big in shooting sports,” said Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma.
Highlighting the region’s athletic promise, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo stated, “The Northeast has always had immense sporting potential. This partnership will lay the foundation for Meghalaya to become a shooting powerhouse in the years to come.”
He further added, “As per the MoU, NRAI will host one Open India Championship annually which would be a huge boost to the economy of Meghalaya as over 4000 athletes would come for the one month of Championships at their own cost.”
The MoU envisions the creation of world-class shooting infrastructure, structured coaching programs, and athlete development from grassroots to elite levels. It also outlines mutual responsibilities in infrastructure development, technical support, and future championship hosting, setting a model for other states.
The landmark signing was attended by Dr. Vijay Kumar D IAS, Commissioner of Sports, PB War Nongbri, Assistant Director, DSYA, Neil Sootinck, General Secretary of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, and other senior officials.
The agreement is expected to usher in a transformative era for shooting sports in Meghalaya and firmly place the state on the national and international sporting map.
