Narikuravas carrying gun is a usual sight, but it is surprising to see them taking part in shooting competition. The two-day competition that commenced on Saturday was organised by the district administartion with an aim to bring out the natural talents in them.
Collector Rajendra Ratnoo inaugurating the contest said, “Narikuravas have inbuilt skill in shooting. If they get a good platform,they will prove their talents. By this competition, we are encouraging the youths of Narikurava community to participate in shooting sport. Those who emerged victorious in the competition will be given further training in order to make them participate in the national level games and even in Olympics. I am sure, if they get that chance, they will win medals for our country. This competition is just a beginning.”
Around 100 youth from Cuddalore, Villupuram, Ariyalur, Perambalur and Tiruchy are here to showcase their talents. P Selvam, one of the contestants, said,“Our people are more talented than others in shooting flying birds and it is very easy for us to shoot at stationary targets in the competition. I don’t think this will be a big challenge for us.”
Another Narikurava youth S Sundharam said, “While watching shooting sport on television, when the shooter misses the target, I feel that if I were there, I would have shot correctly. Now, I have got an opportunity and definitely I will make use of it.”
Speaking to Express, M. J yashankar, coordinator, Tribal community, said “ Narikuravas have the shooting skill in their genes. Once they were the soldiers of Maratha Emperor Sivaji. They taught warfare to the soldiers in the 6th and 7th centuries. Eklavya, a character in Mahabharata, was talented in archery. He was from the tribal community.”
For the past 10 years, no new licences for guns have been issued to Narikuravars, he lamented. “Now, we are only able to renew the old licences.Though we have guns for more than a decade, we can’t shoot birds or animals due to the restrictions.
By this competition, our shooting skills will be diverted to sports. We thank collector Rajendra Ratnoo for this,” said Narikurava youths. Will this competition throw up the opportunity to take part in Olympics?