Jharkhand CM orders modernisation of Ranchi’s Tikait Umrao Singh shooting range
RANCHI, July 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday conducted a surprise inspection of the Tikait Umrao Singh Shooting Range Complex…
RANCHI, July 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren on Monday conducted a surprise inspection of the Tikait Umrao Singh Shooting Range Complex at Khelgaon in Ranchi and expressed strong displeasure over the poor condition of its infrastructure, maintenance and sports facilities.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the maintenance of the shooting range, availability of modern equipment, athlete safety standards, training facilities and other arrangements. He also inspected the 10-metre, 25-metre and 50-metre shooting ranges and sought detailed information from officials.
Expressing concern over the condition of the complex, Soren directed officials to prepare a comprehensive action plan for its modernisation and ensure its time-bound implementation.
‘Providing a better platform for sporting talent is our priority’
The Chief Minister said Jharkhand has consistently produced talented sportspersons who have excelled at national and international competitions and stressed the need to provide them with world-class training facilities.
“Providing a better platform for sporting talent is our priority. All necessary facilities at the shooting range complex will be modernised,” Soren said.
He directed officials to strengthen the training ecosystem and take concrete steps to provide better opportunities for talented athletes, particularly those from rural and remote areas, so they can compete at national and international levels.
The Chief Minister said sports not only help develop athletic ability but also promote discipline, self-confidence and personality development among young people. He added that the state government is committed to strengthening sports infrastructure, improving training facilities and extending all possible support to athletes.
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Time-bound plan for comprehensive development
Soren instructed officials to prepare a roadmap for the comprehensive development of the shooting range and ensure its implementation within a fixed timeline. He emphasised that all necessary resources should be made available so that athletes do not face any inconvenience during training.
He also called for a long-term strategy to create an environment capable of preparing athletes for national and international competitions.
According to the Chief Minister, the shooting range has the potential to train athletes for international-level events, provided the facilities are upgraded to the required standards.
Focus on safety and equipment
During the inspection, Soren directed officials to upgrade shooting equipment and improve its maintenance.
He also reviewed fire safety measures, including the availability of fire extinguishers and fire hydrants, and instructed officials to conduct periodic mock drills. He further directed that the CCTV surveillance system be kept fully operational.
The Chief Minister also interacted with athletes training at the shooting range to understand the challenges they face. During the visit, he briefly tried his hand at shooting with a rifle.
State Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar, Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar, Sports Department Secretary Mukesh Kumar and other senior officials were present during the inspection.
