KARACHI, April 30: Fierce contest is expected in the 12th edition of the National Shooting Championship which fires-off at Naval Shooting Complex from Wednesday.

Formidable Pakistan Army sharp shooters will be facing a strong challenge from hosts Pakistan Navy and Sindh. These three enjoy the services of some top international shooters in their fold.

The championship will also serve as the first round of trials for the selection of Pakistan team for the Commonwealth Games being held in Manchester in July.

While the Army and Navy marksmen will be battling for top honours in pistol and rifle events, Sindh is likely to maintain their ascendancy in shotgun Trap and Skeet events .

Olympian Khurram Inam with ace shooter Ahmed Sultan and Amin Karamat form a strong skeet team for Sindh while Khurram Inam, Dr Naveed Shah and Captain Mahmood Sultan, Sindh are also strong contenders for top position.

In the pistol event, the sailors have a strong team in Zahid Ali, Irshad Ali and Hanif Khan. Punjab’s Col (Retd) Javed Umer could pose a problem for the top shooters.

In the Rifle event, Navy’s Ayaz Tahir and Dawood Jan are favourites but face stiff challenge from other talented shooters.

Small Bore Rifle, Air Rifle, Air Pistol, Standard Pistol, Centre Fire Pistol, Rapid Fire, Pistol, Free Pistol and Open Bore Pistol events will be contested during the championship.

Besides men, ladies and juniors events will also be contested.

Nine affiliated units of the National Rifle Association of Pakistan (NRAP) including the Army, Navy, PAF, Punjab, Sindh, NWFP, Balochistan, University Grants Commission, Pakistan Ordnance Factory Wah and Federal Capital will be featuring in the six-day competition.

According to the programme provided by the organisers the Men’s 10 Meter, Men’s 25 Meter Rapid Fire Pistol, Women’s 50 Meter open sight shot bore rifle, Men’s Trap three rounds and Junior 50 meter short bore rifle will be held on May 1, starting at 9.00 A.M.

In the meantime a Team Managers meeting was held at venue to discuss various technical things pertaining to the championship.—APP