A shortage of ammunition has forced the postponement of the National Rifle-Shooting Championships which should have been held this month, according to officials of the Guyana National Rifle Association (GNRA).
Full-bore captain Mahendra Persaud told Stabroek Sport that the GNRA was unable to source the ammunition in time to host the championships and the event may likely be held early in the new year.

Mahendra Persaud

According to Persaud, the GNRA had attempted to buy ammunition from several suppliers in Europe, United States and Australia but quality and cost became a factor.

He said the GNRA has secured some ammunition and the shipment is likely to arrive in Guyana soon but it would be difficult to stage the national championships immediately after its arrival.

Persaud said that there will be a few minor tournaments for the remainder of the year to keep the shooters busy.
The GNRA has earmarked November to stage the  championships at the Timehri ranges.

Persaud had indicated that several foreign shooters were expected to participate as some were seeking to qualify for the Commonwealth Games billed for next year in India.

There are 900 and 1000 yards ranges at Timehri which  are  critical for the regional shooters’ preparation including the local marksmen who are all keyed up to qualify for the Commonwealth Games.

This year’s West Indies Full-bore championships were marred by poor quality ammunition following host Trinidad and Tobago’s inability to source quality ammunition time for the event.

Despite the ammunition snag, the Guyana rifle shooting team went on to retain their short-range title and remain the holders of the long-range crown following their success in Jamaica last year.

Next year promises to be a very busy year for the local shooters as they seek to defend the regional title in Barbados, a feat they have not done in years.

There is also a proposed series in Antigua/Barbuda prior to the regional event in addition to the Commonwealth Games and the Annual Bisley championships in Great Britain.