Shillong, July 8: The Sports Department and the Shooting Association of Meghalaya have signed an MoU with the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to promote and nurture shooting talent in the state.
This tripartite agreement will establish a structured road map to develop world-class shooting infrastructure in Meghalaya, implement coaching and training programs, and identify and nurture young talent from grassroots to elite levels. It also reflects a broader commitment to integrating Meghalaya into the national and international shooting sports ecosystem.
Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma welcomed the initiative, saying, “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.”
Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful parts of our country, and I am really looking forward to the infrastructure development there. ~ Manu Bhaker
The MoU outlines joint responsibilities in infrastructure development, technical training, equipment access, and hosting future competitions in the state. It is expected to serve as a model for other states to emulate.
“The North East has always had immense sporting potential. This partnership will lay the foundation for Meghalaya to become a shooting powerhouse in the years to come,” said Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, president of NRAI.
Message from Manu Bhaker
Manu Bhaker, who won two medals at the Pris Olympics 2024, congratulated Meghalaya when she learnt that the state would be hosting the National Games 2027.
Bhaker, who was speaking from Germany, was excited about the new agreement to develop infrastructure for shooting in the state. “Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful parts of our country, and I am really looking forward to the infrastructure development there; (this is) because I would love to train there once every year, at least for one month. I hope the work starts soon. I can’t wait to come to Meghalaya,” was her message from Munich.
