Nongpoh, August 10: Youngsters from Ri Bhoi district got an opportunity to showcase their talent in shooting as the Shooting Association of Ri Bhoi District organised a Shotgun Talent Search at Umsning Patarim on Monday.

The event, led by Shooting Association of Ri Bhoi President Pyndaplang Wahlang, marked the first such shooting talent-search initiative in Ri Bhoi, with young participants from across the district turning up to try their hand at the sport.

The programme was organised in collaboration with the Shooting Association of Meghalaya, under the leadership of General Secretary Neil Sootinck, and the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs.

While a number of young men participated in the talent search, only one female participant took part and also got an opportunity to demonstrate her shooting skills.

The Shotgun Talent Search is part of preparations to identify and train promising shooters from Meghalaya ahead of the 2027 National Games, which the state is scheduled to host.

Speaking on the initiative, Neil Sootinck said the talent-search programme being conducted across different districts has revealed that Meghalaya has several youngsters with genuine sporting potential. However, he noted that shooting remains a relatively less-developed sport in the state, making it difficult to identify a sufficient number of experienced and skilled athletes.

He expressed hope that the youngsters who have shown promise will receive proper training in the coming months and develop into capable shooters who can represent Meghalaya and make their mark at the National Games.

Pyndaplang Wahlang said organising the event had been a challenging responsibility for him as the district association’s president, but the participation of young people and the appreciation received from the state Shooting Association secretary had encouraged him.

The event was also witnessed by Patarim Rangbah Shnong Korting Warjri and Dr David Lyngdoh, among others.