Ranchi: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren paid a surprise visit to the Tikait Umrao Singh Shooting Range at Khelgaon in Ranchi on Monday to assess the condition of the facility and the quality of training being provided to shooters.
During the inspection, the Chief Minister reviewed the upkeep of the infrastructure, shooting equipment, safety standards, training facilities, and other arrangements available for athletes. Expressing strong dissatisfaction over the poor maintenance of the shooting range, he directed officials to take immediate corrective measures. He also inspected the 10-metre, 25-metre, and 50-metre shooting ranges and sought detailed information from officials regarding player safety, availability of modern equipment, and overall training facilities. State Sports Minister Sudivya Kumar was also present during the visit.
Soren said Jharkhand has consistently produced talented sportspersons who have earned recognition at national and international levels. He stressed the need to provide world-class training facilities and modern sports infrastructure so that athletes from the state can perform to their full potential.
The Chief Minister instructed officials to further strengthen the state’s sports training ecosystem and ensure that promising athletes from rural and remote areas receive equal opportunities to develop their talent and represent Jharkhand in national and international competitions. He noted that sports not only foster competitive excellence but also help build discipline, confidence, and overall personality development among young people. He reiterated that the state government remains committed to improving sports infrastructure and extending all possible support to athletes.
Soren directed the concerned departments to prepare a comprehensive development plan for the shooting range and ensure its implementation within a fixed timeline. He emphasized that athletes should not face any inconvenience and that all necessary resources should be made available. He also called for a long-term strategy to develop sports infrastructure capable of preparing athletes for national and international competitions, adding that the existing facilities have the potential to meet international standards if maintained properly.
The Chief Minister also instructed officials to upgrade the shooting equipment and improve its regular maintenance. During the visit, he himself tried his hand at target shooting with a rifle.
He later interacted with athletes practising at the range to understand their requirements and experiences. Soren also reviewed fire safety arrangements, including fire extinguishers and fire hydrants, and directed officials to conduct regular mock drills and strengthen CCTV surveillance across the facility.