Defending Champions Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Lanka Air Force and Sri Lanka Navy are yet to decide of their participation for the upcoming NSSF National Shooting Championship 2017 which is to begin on November 18 at the Naval Shooting Range in Welisara. The eight-day competition will end on November 25.
A host of teams representing clubs and schools are expected to compete at the national championship this year. Competitions will be held under Rifle and Pistol categories for Junior, Youth and Open for men and women.
The organizers, the National Shooting Sports Federation of Sri Lanka (NSSF) are still in the process of receiving entries but so far the teams from Army, Air Force and Navy have not yet confirmed of their participation.
The most possible reason for these three teams’ unavailability is the lack of ammunition, as some insiders state. The NSSF President, Shirantha Peiris, confirmed that the confirmation of the three Armed Forces teams are still pending.
“We expect the NSSF Nationals to be an annual important event for all shooters, for reasons that are important. But we are yet to hear from the three armed forces up to now. Importantly Sri Lanka Army, as the title holders should consider it seriously. We expect all of them to take part as it’s the pinnacle competition among local shooting competitions”, Peiris stated.
Despite the developments, the NSSF expects over 100 top shooters from clubs and schools to take part at the National Shooting Championship 2017.