New Indoor Shooting Range Opens in Ladakh to Boost Shooting Sports

A new indoor shooting range has been inaugurated in Ladakh, marking a significant step in promoting shooting sports in the region. This facility, which operates year-round, aims to provide local athletes with the necessary resources to train and develop their skills. The initiative, supported by the NRAI and local authorities, is expected to enhance participation and talent identification in shooting sports. With plans for additional ranges across Ladakh, this development could pave the way for a robust shooting ecosystem, helping aspiring shooters gain access to competitive opportunities without needing to travel far for training.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 4, 2026, 00:09 IST

Inauguration of a State-of-the-Art Shooting Facility

New Delhi, September 3: A major advancement for shooting sports in Ladakh has been marked by the launch of a modern, insulated indoor Air Rifle and Air Pistol shooting range at the newly constructed Sports Complex of the Ladakh Police in Leh. This initiative, spearheaded by the Ladakh Shooting Association (LSA) in partnership with the Ladakh Police, was officially inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor V.K. Saxena in August.

The inauguration event saw the presence of notable figures including Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra, DGP Anant Jain, NRAI Vice President K. Sultan Singh, and LSA President Gawa Norboo, among other dignitaries from the Union Territory Government.

This new facility represents a significant enhancement to Ladakh's sports infrastructure, offering athletes a year-round indoor shooting range that can withstand the region's harsh weather. It will be open to students, the general public, and police personnel, thereby broadening participation and aiding in talent discovery within shooting sports.

NRAI President Kalikesh Singh Deo expressed enthusiasm about the development, stating that this facility will be crucial in nurturing local talent and promoting shooting sports at the grassroots level in Ladakh. He remarked, “The launch of this indoor shooting range is a pivotal moment for shooting sports in Ladakh. Our goal at the NRAI is to provide young talent across India with the necessary facilities and opportunities to engage in the sport and excel competitively. Given Ladakh's unique geographical and climatic challenges, a facility like this can significantly impact aspiring shooters. We appreciate the support from the Lieutenant Governor, the UT Government, Ladakh Police, and the LSA in advancing shooting in the region. We anticipate witnessing a rise in young shooters from Ladakh through this initiative.”

The Lieutenant Governor acknowledged the importance of establishing year-round sporting facilities and announced the UT Government's commitment to developing additional shooting ranges in various districts across Ladakh.

NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh highlighted that this facility will serve as a vital platform for increasing participation and identifying regional talent. He stated, “This marks a significant start for shooting sports in Ladakh. For any sports ecosystem to thrive, accessibility is key, and this facility ensures that access is provided in a structured and sustainable way. By opening the range to students, the public, and police personnel, we can introduce more individuals to the sport and create a larger talent pool. With ongoing support from the UT Government and the LSA, we are optimistic that this initiative will foster a robust shooting ecosystem in Ladakh.”

The operations of the facility will be managed by the Ladakh Shooting Association in collaboration with the Ladakh Police, facilitating training and participation. This range is anticipated to offer local aspiring shooters in Leh the chance to train without needing to travel outside the UT for basic facilities.

The NRAI has been dedicated to expanding the reach of shooting sports beyond established centers and enhancing the grassroots sporting ecosystem nationwide. The opening of the facility in Leh aligns with this vision of making shooting more accessible and creating opportunities for athletes from various regions.

With the UT Government's commitment to establishing more shooting ranges throughout Ladakh, this initiative is poised to lay the groundwork for a broader network of shooting facilities in the region, ultimately helping to integrate more athletes from Ladakh into the national shooting sports framework.