Setting their targets right

BANGALORE: Energy Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Sunday inaugurated Nishan Sports Shooting Academy at BTM 2nd Stage, Mico Layout. An international shooter and a member of Border Security Force (BSF) shooting team Manjunath Pattegar, Purushottam of Nelamangala and other five shooters laid the foundation of the academy which will soon be affiliated to Karnataka State Rifles Association.Purushottam, who is a national level champion and the principal trainer at Nishan Sports Shooting Academy said, “Shooting is a sports which requires concentration. Mumbai has as many as 289 private shooting ranges whereas in Bangalore there are no other private institutions except Sports Authority of India (SAI). I’m sure this academy will help those who are interested in this field. After a long-pending demand for a private shooting range in the state, it has finally happened.” When asked about the training process at the state’s first private shooting range, Purushottam said, “Here the students will be taught as per international standards.The shooter will be provided 50 air pellets.The academy is equipped with target changing pulley machine in order to prevent the pellet moving from outside the range. A wooden and metal blanket has been clamped around the academy. A special technology has been initiated to check noise pollution and at least 10 person can fire at a time.” “I’m sure many more such academies will open in the state after this one and the government is willing to support them in every possible way,” said Karandlaje.