New Delhi, Aug 2: Almost two years after an event of similar scale was put off due to National Rifle Association of India's objections, the ''Gun for Glory'' shooting championship starts on Wednesday, Aug 3 in Pune.

With the active involvement of one of India's finest shooters, Gagan Narang, the ''Gun for Glory'' meet is set to be a success story.

What with the event offering prizes in the form of Walther guns, one of the sponsors, besides a platform for young shooters to showcase their abilities.

About 1000 shooters are expected to compete in the event at the Balewadi Sports Complex.

Fortunately, NRAI, which had shot down the Walther Cup -the brainchild of the premier German gun manufacturer popularised by James Bond and TopGun Sports, has decided to sanction the upcoming event.

Incidentally, Walther is sponsoring the upcoming event.

"We were supposed to organise the event in Pune along with NRAI's support. That was supposed to be the richest prize money tournament ever in India with a prize money of Euro 3000 (approximately Rs 2,11,000) on offer and we had designed it in a way to popularise the sport.

"There were even plans for TV production and a very interesting fashion show with shooters to glamorise the event further," TopGun Sports CEO Shimon Sharif said.

But, much to the organisers' dismay, the NRAI played spoilsport.

"NRAI had sent a wrong signal to the gun manufacturing fraternity of the world and to the shooters here in India. Had the event passed off well, we along with NRAI could have made a circuit of such professional events in India.

"There are 5 to 6 gun companies based in Europe that are always interested in supporting shooting in India because of the growing market here for their guns," he added.

PTI