Our shooting range will be best in the world: Gill

Sports Minister MS Gill said the Karni Singh Shooting Range will be ready well before next month's Commonwealth Championship and once completed, the facility would prove best of its kind in the world.

"I have been to the shooting range and I'm happy to say that it's nearly ready. Some last-minute minor work is on but it would be totally ready well before the Commonwealth Championship which begins on February 17," Gill.

Promising that the range would be best of its kind, Gill said, "I have been to the Mexico Olympics (in 1968) in which Karni Singh, after whom the Tughlakabad range is named, shot and I have been to Beijing as well. I can tell you that our range would be far superior and would be the best in the world," the Minister said.

Gill said a lot of progress has been made in the last one year and he patted all involved in the work.

"When I joined the Ministry in April last year, the work had not even started and arguments were going on. We have settled all that and work got a push. Now we have 1800 people working in the range.

"I must say that the contractors, technical support staff from Switzerland and the Sports Authority of India have risen to the occasion and I can tell you that the facility would be completely ready and available in the next few days," the Minister said.

Gill also said that the National Stadium, venue of Hockey World Cup starting next month, would be ready soon and be made available to the Indian team.

"I visited the National Stadium 2-3 days ago and it's getting the finishing touches. Shortly, the stadium would be available for (India coach) Jose Brasa and his boys," he said.

"I was worried last year because work had barely started then. I remember they were digging the foundation only at that time. I cannot believe how much progress has been made since then and I compliment the CPWD, SAI and various contractors for the job they have done.

"Without any doubt, this is also going to be the best hockey stadium in the world," Gill said.