Navy dominates 07th Open Shooting Championship Rifle / Pistol 2023 to claim overall championship

In a stunning display of marksmanship, the Navy emerged overall champions in the 07th Open Shooting Championship held at the Small-Bore Firing Range Complex of Welisara from 29th March to 04th April 2023.

The final day of the championship was graced by the Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, as the Chief Guest. He awarded certificates and trophies to the winners, congratulating them on their remarkable achievements.

The tournament, which featured participation from the Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Schools Shooting Sports Association and renowned sports clubs in the country, saw the Navy shooters excel in various categories to claim the overall championship title.

Accordingly, Petty Officer WMK Kumara won gold medals in 25M Rapid Fire Men (individual), 25M Standard Pistol Men’s (individual) and 25M Military Pistol Men’s (individual). Meanwhile, Leading Seaman RDMH Liyanage and Leading Stores Assistant KMCB Kulathunga won silver and bronze medals in 25M Standard Pistol Men’s (individual) events.

In 50M Rifle Prone Men’s (individual) event the gold, silver and bronze medals were won by Leading Infantryman HDP Kumara, Leading Seaman NG Wijerupa and Leading Seaman WKY Krishantha respectively.

In the meantime, Leading Seaman NG Wijerupa and Leading Seaman WKY Krishantha also won the gold and silver medals respectively in 50M Rifle 3x20 Men’s (individual) event. The gold medal in 10M Air Rifle Men’s (individual) was also won by Leading Infantryman HDP Kumara.

In the 50M Rifle Prone Women’s (individual) evet, Woman Leading Seaman KKG Perera, Woman Leading Seaman WMSY Perera and Woman Able Seaman DLMA Kumari secured all top three medals. In addition, Woman Leading Seaman KKG Perera and Woman Leading Seaman WMSY Perera also won the gold and silver medals respectively in 50M Rifle 3x20 Women’s (individual) event. The bronze medal in 10M Air Pistol Women’s (individual) event was won by Woman Leading Seaman KGDT Dilrukshi.

Meanwhile, Fleet Chief Petty Officer WGS Priyadarshani (silver) and Woman Leading Seaman KGDT Dilrukshi (bronze) won medals in 25M Sport Pistol Women’s (individual) event. The silver medal in 10M Air Rifle Women’s (individual) event was also won by Woman Leading Seaman WMSY Perera.

The award for the Best Rifle Shooter – Women of the tournament was secured by Woman Leading Seaman KKG Perera. Leading Infantryman HDP Kumara was adjudged the Best Rifle Shooter – Men of the shooting championship. In addition, the award for the Best Pistol Shooter - Men was bagged by Petty Officer WMK Kumara.

As the Navy emerged clear winners of the championship with a display of remarkable precision and skill in handling their weapons, the Sri Lanka Army clinched the runners up title.

Meanwhile, 236 marksmen and women took part in the 07th Open Shooting Championship representing the Sri Lanka Schools Shooting Sports Association. Among them RS Senaratne of Nalanda College, Colombo (Best Shooter Men - Youth), SD Galagedara of Lyceum International School, Wattala (Best Shooter Woman – Youth) and WHAVN Weerasinghe of the Camryan Shooting Club (Best Shooter Woman- Junior) won major honours.

A group of officers of the Tri-Services and Police, President of the National Shooting Sport Federation, Masters in Charge of school shooting clubs and distinguished guests were also present on this occasion.