Shooting range for Commonwealth Games unveiled

NEW DELHI - The Commonwealth Games Organising Committee on Tuesday showcased the almost-ready Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range.

The shooting venue for the October 3-14 mega event was under fire for a long time for delay in construction with reports pouring in that certain parts of trap and skeet arena had sunk in because of the incessant rains.

Divided into six ranges, the final range is the highlight of the venue. It is the only air-conditioned range in the venue to hold around 750 spectators and will host the finals of 10m, 25m and 50m events.

“So we have this range, as you see now this range has been refurbished and you have today world class ranges. One should say it’s the best range, but we feel it’s one of the best ranges of the world today,” said Randhir Singh, Vice-Chairman, Organising Committee.

Singh further said that India could now boast of some of the best shooters in the world.

“We have some of the world’s greatest shooters with us, who are today world champions, world record holders and the future heading to be world champions. Last time in Melbourne we won the maximum medals in shooting. This time also we expect to improve on our medal tally as compared to Melbourne in shooting and produce more champions and have more Commonwealth records and Olympic Games record,” he added.

Meanwhile Suresh Kalmadi, Chairman, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, said that he was always confident that everything would be ready in time and the country is ready to host the games.

“Well I have confident right from day one that things will be on track and now you see 21 days before (the Games) everything is on track,” he added.

India is expecting about two million visitors in New Delhi for the Games, as well as about 10,000 athletes from 71 teams representing 54 Commonwealth member states, which will be held from October 3 to 14.

The 12-day sporting extravaganza will be India’s biggest sporting event since the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. (ANI)