Crack shots line up for Hand Gun showdown

Published : 9:49 pm  August 26, 2010 |  No comments so far  |     |   (8)  |  

The National Rifle Association of Sri Lanka will conduct the practical pistol Hand Gun Championship at the naval range, Walisara.

Over 175 shooters representing 10 clubs will participate in the event, which is conducted for the 20^th consecutive year. The championship ends on August 29.The National Titles this year, sanctioned as a level 111 International Match, will be keenly contested by the top shooters in the Armed Forces, Police and the affiliated civilian clubs in the Open, Standard and Production Divisions for which three President’s Trophies and six President’s Medals are on offer.

The highlight of the event will be the performance of talented junior shooters from the age of 11 years upwards who are offering stiff competition to experienced military shooters.

Fifteen year old Trinitian Haritha Pilapitiya and 16-year old Thomian Avishka Odayar are vying for the junior title, while 11-year old Ishara Ritigahapola is the youngest member of the National IPSC (International Practical Shooting Confederation) team.

A special feature of the National IPSC Team, selected on merit conducting trials, is the inclusion of a Junior Team of four shooters for the first time. However, the cynosure of all eyes at the Nationals will be top international women’s shooter Anusha Prasadika from the Air Force who is expected to get the better of most shooters including the men.

The National IPSC Team selected to participate in the level IV Austral-Asia Handgun Championships in Malaysia in October 2010 will be accompanied by Capt. Sarath de  Zoysa (rtd) as the coach.