GANGTOK: Two shooters from Sikkim — Anu Chettri and Tshering Yangden Bhutia — have secured places at the 69th National Shooting Championship 2026 after notable performances at the 13th North East Zonal Shooting Championship held in Assam, the Sikkim Rifle Association said on Sunday.
Qualification and events
Chettri earned qualification in the 10m Air Pistol event, while Bhutia secured her berth in the 10m Air Rifle. They were among 11 shooters who represented Sikkim in the air weapon categories at the zonal meet, a contingent comprising eight pistol shooters and three rifle shooters, the association reported.
The zonal championship served as the qualifying pathway for the national meet. The Sikkim Rifle Association congratulated both qualifers and acknowledged the contribution of athletes, coaches, officials, parents and supporters to the team’s performance.
Historic medal for Sikkim
In addition to the two qualifications, air pistol shooter Laxuman Adhikari claimed a bronze medal in the master men’s 10m individual category. The association described Adhikari’s podium finish as the first-ever medal for a Sikkim shooter at the North East Zonal level.
The bronze marks a milestone for the state’s shooting programme, reflecting growing depth and competitive experience among Sikkim’s shooters at regional events.
What this means for Sikkim shooting
The qualifications by Chettri and Bhutia add to Sikkim’s representation at the national level and offer the athletes exposure to higher standards of competition. Participation at the national championship typically provides athletes access to national coaches, tougher competition and potential selection pathways for larger events.
For the Sikkim Rifle Association, the zonal results — particularly Adhikari’s bronze — can bolster efforts to expand coaching, secure better training slots and attract more support for equipment and travel, all of which are crucial for athletes aiming to compete beyond the region.
Contingent details
| Representative | Event | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Anu Chettri | 10m Air Pistol | Qualified for 69th National Championship |
| Tshering Yangden Bhutia | 10m Air Rifle | Qualified for 69th National Championship |
| Laxuman Adhikari | Master Men’s 10m Individual (Air Pistol) | Bronze (first zonal medal for Sikkim) |
Support structure and next steps
The association explicitly lauded the role of coaches, officials and parents in the contingent’s campaign in Assam. While specific scores and margins of qualification were not disclosed by the association, the results indicate successful preparation in both pistol and rifle disciplines among the state’s shooters.
With nationals on the calendar, the qualified athletes are expected to focus on sharpening technical skills, competition mental preparedness and equipment tuning. Advancement at the national level depends on consistent high scores and the ability to perform under pressure against a larger pool of seasoned competitors.
- Qualified shooters: Anu Chettri (10m Air Pistol), Tshering Yangden Bhutia (10m Air Rifle)
- Historic podium: Laxuman Adhikari — bronze in master men’s 10m (first zonal medal for Sikkim)
- Team size at zonal: 11 shooters (8 pistol, 3 rifle)
The Sikkim Rifle Association’s statement underlined the team's collective effort and expressed hope that the zonal achievements will encourage wider participation and investment in the sport within the state.
As preparations for the 69th National Shooting Championship 2026 proceed nationwide, Sikkim will be represented by its two qualified shooters, who will aim to translate regional success into competitive showings on the national stage.
