chennai those who love to shoot but dont have the space to indulge in their passion neednt worry any more they can soon head to veerapuram about 6km from avadi where the sports development authority of tamil nadu sdat has established a shooting range set up in association with the police department it boasts of a 10metre airconditioned facility equipped with an electronic score board that is expected to be a major draw especially for youngsters it also has 25metre and 50metre facilities for professional shooters we also plan to set up a trap and skeet range soon with all the facilities a sdat official said it will be open to the public and members of other rifle clubs for members of the range there will be no time restriction he said a monthly fee of 500 would be charged the official said adding that a coach would be brought in if more join in as members sdat plans to create awareness among new members about the various shooting competitions in the country they will be taught the latest technology the official said rifles including small bore big bore air pistols and trap shooting guns are used in the sport for long the sport had been out of bounds for many because of the cost of rifles and other equipment this kind of initiative will attract many youngsters a senior police officer said he said it would cost a minimum of 6000 for a rifle that doesnt require a licence it is safe and can be used in the 10meter range he added many have welcomed the sdats idea s narayanan an it professional said thousands of people trained during their ncc days went unnoticed for want of such ranges to practice this will encourage the younger generation he added enthusiasts have to bring their rifle and ammunition before applying for a membership card they shall adhere to the rules and regulations stipulated the official said those practising in the 10metre facility dont require a licence for their gun for others a licensed gun is necessary official sources said the veerapuram range was a practice facility for police officers before sdat came forward to renovate it several pieces of equipment including a scoreboard were purchased long ago but istalled only now said the official at present there are 18 shooting clubs in the state affiliated to the tamil nadu shooting association