Axis Bank’s Rs 24-Crore Bullseye: Backs Suma Shirur’s Navi Mumbai Shooting Hub

Axis Bank has chosen a unique way to utilise its CSR funds—by wholeheartedly supporting the Lakshya Shooting Club High Performance Centre in CBD Belapur, Navi Mumbai. How many banks, public or private, would go that extra mile and commit Rs 24 crore over three years to back a sport that is not fashionable, but quite popular across the world, is an Olympic, continental and Commonwealth medal sport? The bagful of medals in gold, silver and bronze hues bring fame to athletes and the country. Axis Bank’s super decision has to be seen as a fresh start-up in India’s deprived non-cricket sports environment, placing faith in the “Dream Girl” Suma Shirur and her architect and pillar of strength hubby Siddharth, who have created an integrated infrastructure described by London Olympics medallist Gagan Narang as the second private enterprise in India after JSW Sports. Suma is an acclaimed shooter and coach, winning medals at the Commonwealth Games, Asian Games and Asian Championships from 2002 to 2010. She equalled a world record at an Asian meet in the 10-metre rifle event and has coached others to realise their full potential. She has won the Arjuna and Dronacharya Awards. She has sweated for two decades, but creating a facility dedicated to the Elite in the 10-metre rifle category is an admirable achievement. It’s one of a kind in the world, said Suma, who has travelled widely to compete and coach India’s brightest talents, including in the para category. Gagan and Suma averred that the idea isn’t just to win medals, but to become better spokespersons and human beings. All in all, Axis Bank’s decision to back Suma, Siddharth, and shooting sport is a terrific call.