The first-ever Sikkim State Shooting Championship 2026 concluded successfully at the Sikkim Rifle and Pistol Academy, Gangtok, with 12 shooters earning qualification for the upcoming North East Zone Championship and Pre-National Shooting Championship.
The two-day championship, organised by the Sikkim Rifle Association (SRA), witnessed the participation of 22 shooters competing in the 10-metre Air Pistol and 10-metre Peep Sight Air Rifle events across multiple categories. The event marked a significant milestone in the development of shooting sports in the state and served as the official qualifying competition for higher-level championships.
The closing ceremony was attended by Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr G.T. Dhungel, as the chief guest, while Tadong Ward Councillor Mr Sonam Pintso Bhutia graced the occasion as the guest of honour.
Addressing the gathering, Mr Dhungel congratulated the SRA for successfully organising the inaugural championship and described it as a major step toward diversifying Sikkim’s sporting landscape. Reiterating the vision of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang to promote sports, creativity and youth development, he emphasised the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for young people to pursue their talents and aspirations.
Encouraging youth participation in sports, the Minister urged young athletes to pursue their passions with dedication and sincerity, stressing that success comes through perseverance, hard work and commitment. He also called upon parents to actively support their children’s interests and ambitions.
Expressing appreciation to the organisers, Mr Dhungel thanked SRA President Mr Sanjay Budhathoki and his team for laying a strong foundation for the growth of shooting sports in Sikkim. Describing the championship as the beginning of a larger journey, he assured continued government support and urged the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) to continue guiding and assisting the association in nurturing local shooting talent.
Earlier during the championship, Chairman of the State Sports Development Board (SSDB), Mr Rinzing Wangyal Chopel, attended as chief guest, while President of the Sikkim Olympic Association (SOA), Mr C. Zangpo Bhutia, was the guest of honour.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Chopel congratulated the SRA for organising the state’s first shooting championship and reiterated the government’s commitment to sports development and the vision of a Nasha Mukt Rajya. He highlighted the role of sports in positively engaging youth and assured every possible support for the future growth of shooting sports in Sikkim.
Mr Chopel further stated that, as the first Chairman of the SSDB, he viewed himself as a bridge between sportspersons and the government and would continue working to facilitate the development of emerging sporting disciplines.
In his address, Mr Bhutia noted that shooting demands exceptional discipline, concentration, physical preparedness and mental endurance. He commended the SRA for successfully conducting the championship within a short period of its establishment.
The gathering was also addressed by General Secretary of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, Mr Neil Sootinck, who welcomed Sikkim into the shooting fraternity and assured continued support and cooperation in developing the sport in the state.
A ceremonial shooting demonstration by dignitaries and guests added to the significance of the occasion.
Championship Highlights
The championship featured competitions in the 10-metre Air Pistol and 10-metre Peep Sight Air Rifle categories, covering divisions such as Sub-Youth Men, Youth Women, Senior Men, Senior Women, Master Men and Senior Master Women.
Each participant fired 40 shots, with a maximum possible score of 400 points. Scoring was based on a ten-point scale for each shot according to its proximity to the bull’s-eye.
The competition was officiated by NRAI Technical Officials Ms Anjali Singh and Mr John Thounaojam, while Ms Balari Shisha Rani of the Shooting Association of Meghalaya supervised timing, scoring and results.
Results
10m Air Pistol
Sub-Youth Men Individual
- Gold: Tarun Bhujel
Youth Women Individual
- Gold: Susmita Tamang
Men Individual
- Gold: Sherpa Palden Sherpa
- Silver: Sashank Thapa
- Bronze: Rakesh Rai
Women Individual
- Gold: Anu Chettri
- Silver: Ishnuka Rai
- Bronze: Sriya Chettri
Master Men Individual
- Gold: Moses Rai
- Silver: Laxuman Adhikari
Senior Master Women Individual
- Gold: Sushma Tripathi Bhattarai
10m Air Rifle
Men Individual
- Gold: Kishun S. Rajput
- Silver: Prabin Tamang
- Bronze: Tempa Tshering Sherpa
Women Individual
- Gold: Tshering Yangden Bhutia
- Silver: Dipuns Tamang
- Bronze: Divya Nepal
Master Men Individual
- Gold: Ashok Gurung
Qualified Shooters
Based on their performances, the following 12 shooters have qualified to represent Sikkim at the forthcoming North East Zone Championship and Pre-National Shooting Championship:
- Tarun Bhujel
- Susmita Tamang
- Anu Chettri
- Ishnuka Rai
- Sriya Chettri
- Prabina Gurung
- Moses Rai
- Laxuman Adhikari
- Kishun S. Rajput
- Prabin Tamang
- Tshering Yangden Bhutia
- Dipuna Tamang
Growing Shooting Culture in Sikkim
Established in 2024 under the leadership of President Mr Sanjay Budhathoki, the Sikkim Rifle Association is affiliated with the NRAI and aims to build a vibrant shooting sports culture in the state. The association currently operates Sikkim’s first fully equipped indoor shooting facility and has registered 92 members ranging from 9 to 64 years of age.
Notably, the inaugural championship saw the participation of 22 shooters, including 14 women athletes, highlighting the growing popularity of the sport and the encouraging involvement of women in shooting disciplines across the state.
