As part of the moves to promote shooting sports in the district, the Kollam District Rifle Association with the District Collector as the ex officio president and the City Police Commissioner as the ex officio vice president is opening an indoor shooting range in the city on Sunday.
The fully air-conditioned range at Nellimukku will be inaugurated by P.K. Gurudasan, MLA. Mayor Honey Benjamin will light the traditional lamp and District Collector A. Kowsigan will launch the website of the association.
The outdoor shooting range already existing on the Fatima Mata National College campus will also be utilised for promoting the sports.
Association secretary Saju S. Das said the target is to train 1,000 students from the district within a specified time so as to enable some of them qualify for the National Games. For students, the membership fee is Rs.5,000 and for others Rs.25,000. There will also be an annual renewal fee.
Training
The association now has 140 members. Mr. Das said training will be given only to members and membership is given on the basis of clearance from the District Collector and the City Police Commissioner. No police verification will be needed for students up to Plus Two. But they will have to produce a conduct certificate from the head of the institution.
The elected vice president of the association, S. Ranjit, said the association intends extending the facility to the rural areas of the district soon. As part of this programme, indoor shooting ranges are planned at Punalur, Kottarakara, Ayoor, Chathannur and Karunagapally, he said.
All ammunition procured for the training will be stored only at the Armed Reserve Police Camp and will be strictly accounted, he said.
Shooting range at Nellimukku to be opened today
1,000 students
to be trained