Jorethang Gears Up for 10m Shooting Range Under Sikkim Rifle Association’s Mission Olympics Vision

Jorethang district is gearing up for its first 10-metre rifle and pistol shooting range, in a move that promises to bring Olympic-recognised shooting sports closer to local youth and aspiring athletes in South Sikkim. The initiative is being driven under the Mission Olympics vision of the Sikkim Rifle Association (SRA), led by president Sanjay Budhathoki, who has been working to build a shooting culture across the state through structured training and competition pathways.

Local residents have welcomed the proposal, noting that a range located in or near the main town of Jorethang would give students, professionals and sports enthusiasts direct access to modern shooting infrastructure without having to travel to Gangtok for regular practice. The new facility is expected to focus on 10m air rifle and 10m air pistol disciplines, which are the same events contested at national and international levels, including Asian championships and the Olympic Games.

The Jorethang project builds on SRA’s recent efforts, including the launch of Sikkim’s first indoor shooting academy at Tadong and the hosting of the Sikkim State Shooting Championship 2026 at the Sikkim Indoor Shooting Range. Through programmes such as shooting talent hunts and structured basic-to-professional training at the Sikkim Rifle & Pistol Academy, the association aims to identify promising shooters from all districts and prepare them for national trials and international competition. With Jorethang now entering the map of shooting infrastructure, South Sikkim’s youth could soon find themselves on a clear pathway from local ranges to the biggest stages in the sport.

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