At Chennai's new facility, you can now shoot for fun

CHENNAI: Those who love to shoot but don't have the space to indulge in their passion needn't worry any more. They can soon head to Veerapuram, about 6km from Avadi, where the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) has established a shooting range.


Set up in association with the police department, it boasts of a 10-metre air-conditioned facility equipped with an electronic score board that is expected to be a major draw, especially for youngsters. It also has 25-metre and 50-metre facilities for professional shooters. "We also plan to set up a 'trap and skeet' range soon with all the facilities," a SDAT official said.

It will be open to the public and members of other rifle clubs. For members of the range, there will be no time restriction, he said.

A monthly fee of 500 would be charged, the official said, adding that a coach would be brought in if more join in as members.

SDAT plans to create awareness among new members about the various shooting competitions in the country. "They will be taught the latest technology," the official said. Rifles, including small bore, big bore, air pistols and trap shooting guns, are used in the sport.

For long, the sport had been out of bounds for many because of the cost of rifles and other equipment. "This kind of initiative will attract many youngsters," a senior police officer said. He said it would cost a minimum of 6,000 for a rifle that doesn't require a licence. "It is safe and can be used in the 10-meter range", he added.

Many have welcomed the SDAT's idea. S Narayanan, an IT professional, said thousands of people, trained during their NCC days, went unnoticed for want of such ranges to practice. "This will encourage the younger generation," he added.

Enthusiasts have to bring their rifle and ammunition before applying for a membership card. "They shall adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated", the official said.

Those practising in the 10-metre facility don't require a licence for their gun. For others, a licensed gun is necessary.

Official sources said the Veerapuram range was a practice facility for police officers before SDAT came forward to renovate it. "Several pieces of equipment, including a scoreboard, were purchased long ago but istalled only now," said the official.

At present, there are 18 shooting clubs in the state affiliated to the Tamil Nadu Shooting Association.