NSSF National Rifle and Pistol Championship set for November 12

The National Shooting Sports Federation of Sri Lanka (NSSF) has set the dates to host its first major event for this year despite uncertainty caused by the spike in the COVID-19 cases.

After vigilantly observing the situation for nearly seven months, the NSSF hopes to conduct at least the most important events for the year. The NSSF has scheduled the National Rifle and Pistol Championship 2020 from November 12 to 21 at the Sri Lanka Navy Small Bore Range at SLNS Gemunu in Welisara.

This championship will include a total of 16 events in three different categories - Youth, Junior and Open. The age categories have been determined as 12 to 18 for Youth, 18 to 21 for Junior and 21 and above for Open.'

Among the events lined up are Youth and Junior Male and Female in both pistol and rifle, Open events in pistol, rifle, 50m rifle, 3x40 for both male and female. Among the Open Male pistol events are 50m, 25m STD and 25m rapid fire, while a 25m sports pistol event is on cards for Open Female.

Among other events lined up are Mix air pistol and air rifle Open, Mix Junior air pistol and rifle, which will be open also for Youth as events will be conducted under individual and team segments.

The top three shooters will receive medals and certificates with points granted for national selection. Best performers in Youth, Junior and Open categories in rifle and pistol will receive special individual awards while special awards will be presented for the best teams under rifle and pistol categories. The competition will be conducted in accordance to the rules and regulations of the international shooting body, the ISSF.

The final draw for the event will be held on October 30 at 4.30pm at the NSSF office in the Old Sports Ministry building in Torrington. The NSSF secretary Pradeep Edirisinghe confirmed that the draw will be final and all club representatives should reconfirm entries before submitting.

The results of the NSSF National Rifle and Pistol Championship will be considered for updating the current national pools of Open, Youth and Junior segments. The NSSF had originally planned to conduct eight local competitions throughout 2020, but due to the current pandemic situation which made its outbreak in March earlier this year, competitions were on hold pending clearance from the higher authorities. With shooting being a sport that could be conducted under the current health regulations, the NSSF is optimistic that it could complete the event, with the intention of selecting athletes for future international meets.