Thane: A world-class shooting range and multi-purpose sports complex is set to come up in Waghbil following an in-principle approval from deputy chief minister Eknath Shinde — a move expected to strengthen the city’s emergence as a hub for shooting sports.Announcing the project worth ₹26 crore on Wednesday, transport minister Pratap Sarnaik said the facility would be developed on a 2,020 sq m amenity plot near Hiranandani Estate with funding from the Urban Development Department.The proposed centre is expected to build on Thane’s growing credentials in the sport, with Thane having already produced 2022 ISSF World Champion Rudrankksh Patil, whose rise to the top came despite years of travelling daily to Mumbai for training due to the lack of advanced shooting infrastructure in his hometown.“Thane needed an all-round shooting range. I’m confident this facility will go a long way in nurturing the next generation of talent from here,” Patil said, recalling the challenges of balancing long commutes for practice with his studies before becoming a world champion.Designed as a regional sports hub, the 4,522 sq m multi-storey complex will cater to athletes from Thane, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. Besides dedicated training spaces, it will feature three international-standard shooting ranges — an 11-lane, 10-metre air rifle and pistol range, a 10-lane, 25-metre range and an eight-lane, 50-metre range.Each level will have spectator galleries, control rooms, storage areas and support infrastructure. The building will also house training halls, administrative offices, a café, an equipment distribution centre and basement parking.Sarnaik said, “It is important to create quality infrastructure for aspiring athletes not only from Thane but also from neighbouring areas. We expect the centre to nurture the next generation of champions from here.”
