The Ludhiana shooting range, a key training facility located near Rakh Bagh alongside other major sports venues like the Guru Nanak Stadium and a Sports Authority of India centre, is grappling with severe operational challenges that threaten the progress of its athletes.
A Daily Struggle for Athletes and Coaches
Approximately 40 dedicated athletes, comprising both boys and girls from various age groups, train at this facility every day. However, their practice is hampered by significant hurdles. Coaches Gurjit Singh and Priya, alongside the players, have highlighted a series of pressing issues plaguing the range. The most critical problems include outdated infrastructure, a glaring absence of modern training technology like digital targets, and a severe shortage of practice weapons. Compounding these difficulties is the fact that the range has not received any substantial funding, crippling its ability to upgrade.
How Outdated Tech Hurts Competitive Edge
The coaches have voiced deep concern over the situation, stressing that the lack of technological advancement is directly impairing the training quality and the athletes' ability to compete at higher levels. "Digital targets are now the standard even at state-level shooting competitions. Yet, we lack that essential facility here," they explained. The only two digital targets currently installed were procured through personal contributions, not institutional support.
They emphasised that digital targets are crucial for shooters to refine their accuracy, timing, and receive precise feedback. The absence of such technology creates a tangible gap between Ludhiana's trainees and their better-equipped counterparts, negatively affecting performance outcomes.
Urgent Calls for Safety and Equipment Upgrades
Beyond technology, the range suffers from delayed infrastructure improvements and basic maintenance issues like a slippery floor, which raises safety concerns. The acute shortage of practice weapons further disrupts training schedules. One athlete who practices daily shared a common frustration: "Sometimes I have to wait for other players to finish because there are only a limited number of practice air pistols available."
The collective appeal from coaches and athletes is clear: immediate funds, proper maintenance, and essential upgrades are urgently required to ensure player safety and foster genuine improvement in the sport. Without intervention, the potential of these 40 aspiring shooters remains critically under-supported.
