Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren conducted a surprise inspection of the Tikaait Umarav Singh Shooting Range located at Khelgaon in Ranchi on Monday. During the visit, he expressed dissatisfaction over the poor condition of infrastructure, maintenance, and overall facilities at the shooting range.
Sports Minister Sudeep Kumar was also present during the inspection.
Review of Shooting Ranges and Facilities
The Chief Minister personally inspected the 10-meter, 25-meter, and 50-meter shooting ranges, reviewing key aspects such as:
- Availability of modern shooting equipment
- Training infrastructure for athletes
- Safety standards and protocols
- Security arrangements at the facility
He directed officials to ensure that athletes do not face any inconvenience and that all necessary resources are provided without delay.
CM Orders Time-Bound Modernisation Plan
CM Hemant Soren instructed officials to prepare a comprehensive development and modernisation plan for the shooting range. He emphasized that the project must be implemented within a fixed timeline.
The Chief Minister stressed that Jharkhand’s sports infrastructure should match national and international standards to support high-performance training.
Focus on World-Class Training for Athletes
Highlighting Jharkhand’s reputation as a talent-rich state, CM Soren said that many athletes from the region have already brought laurels at national and international levels.
He stated that the government’s priority is to provide:
- World-class training facilities
- Advanced sports infrastructure
- Equal opportunities for rural and remote area athletes
- Strengthened coaching and development systems
Safety Standards and Equipment Maintenance Under Review
During the inspection, the Chief Minister also reviewed critical safety systems, including:
- CCTV surveillance systems
- Fire extinguishers and hydrant arrangements
- Equipment maintenance and operational readiness
He directed officials to conduct regular mock drills and strictly enforce all safety protocols at the facility.
CM Interacts with Players, Tests Shooting Facility
CM Hemant Soren interacted with athletes present at the shooting range and listened to their concerns regarding training and infrastructure gaps.
In a symbolic gesture, he also tried shooting at the range to personally assess the facility conditions and understand the experience of players.
Senior Officials Present During Inspection
Several senior officials accompanied the Chief Minister during the visit, including:
- Chief Secretary Avinash Kumar
- Secretary, Sports Department Mukesh Kumar
- Other senior administrative and sports department officials
Government Commitment to Sports Development
The Chief Minister reiterated that Jharkhand will continue to invest in sports infrastructure to nurture young talent and strengthen the state’s presence in national and international sports competitions.
He assured that the shooting range and other sports facilities in the state will be upgraded to support high-quality athlete training and development.
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