jj correspondent
Katra, Aug 2: The 12th Jammu and Kashmir Shooting Championship, featuring participants from all categories, commenced today at the Katra SMVD Sports Complex. The four day event from 2nd to 5th August has been meticulously organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Rifle Association (JKRA), under the esteemed patronage of the 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Shree Swami Vishveshwaranand Giri Ji Maharaj, and the expert guidance of Sh Anshul Garg (IAS) , Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board with invaluable coordination of members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB).
The inauguration ceremony was graced by the presence of 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Shree Swami Vishveshwaranand Giri Ji Maharaj as the Chief Guest, and Sh Anshul Garg (IAS), Chief Executive Officer of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, as the Guest of Honour. The ceremony opened with a warm welcome extended to the dignitaries, participants, and members of JKRA by Sh S.S. Sodhi, President of the J&K Rifle Association.
In his address, the Chief Guest, 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Shree Swami Vishveshwaranand Giri Ji Maharaj, appreciated the efforts of JKRA and DPS school. He emphasized the utilization of the sports stadium at Katra for various sports events to encourage youth participation.
During the event, Sh S.S. Sodhi expressed gratitude to the distinguished guests, shrine board members, shooters, parents, the National Rifle Association of India, the press and media, police administration, coaches, winners, and other individuals who contributed to the success of the championship, namely Sh Vipin Bhagat , Add’l CEO Shrine Board and Sh Abhishek Sharma, Nodal Officer shrine board. Notably, Dr. Kunwrani Ritu Singh & Sh M.K. Ajatshatru Singh, Chairman Trustee DPS School along with their son Sh Ranvijay Singh, and Sh. S.S. Sodhi were recognized for their pioneering efforts in establishing the first shooting range in J&K at DPS Jammu two decades ago under the visionary leadership of DGP J&K Sh Dilbag Singh who is also the Chief Patron and Founder of J&K Rifle Association.
Earlier, DPS Katra students enriched the occasion with their renditions of the National Anthem and a graceful Ganesh Vandana dance, evoking a sense of national pride and invoking blessings for the event’s success.
This championship has been organized in collaboration with the Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Katra, with the aim of promoting Shooting sports and nurturing the talents of the youth of the district. Sh S.S.Sodhi, President JKRA, emphasized the significance of sports activities in fostering success in life. He encouraged the youth to showcase their exceptional skills in the realm of shooting.
The esteemed assembly included Chairman Sh Kuldeep Singh Jamwal, Treasurer and Convenor of the event Sh Arun Mansotra, Technical Committee Head Sh Rajesh Virdi, Vice Presidents Sh Samar Dev Singh and Sh V. S. Pathania, Executive Member Shri Praveen Mittal, and other members of JKRA. Sh Sharat Chandra, CEO JKRA, conveyed his blessings on the occasion.
The 12th J&K Shooting Championship promises to be a platform for not only healthy competition but also the demonstration of sportsmanship and dedication for the shooters and the sports enthusiasts alike.
Also present on the occasion were Ms Simmi Sharma Manager Operations DPS Katra and Ms Manikarnika Sharma, I/c Principal, DPS Katra.
