About Us

Thiruvananthapuram District Rifle Association was launched on the 10th of Jan 2022. The current TRA Club was started to cultivate the talent of shooting amongst the youth and provide them a platform to flourish at District, National, and International competitions. We are also sure that this helps them to create a sense of discipline in handling firearms.

History: Rifle Associations had existed in Thiruvananthapuram since pre-independence days and the Rifle Association of Travancore, probably one of the very first in India, had the Maharajah of Travancore as its President. However, after Independence, this Association had become defunct. The previous version of the TRA was launched in 2007, organized by Sri George Sebastian, Sri M S Kumar and Sri Abey George.

The highlight of TRA’s activity was the State Level shooting competition at Pallipuram CRPF shooting. This was conducted under the aegis of the then sports minister of the state, M Vijayakumar and had the then home minister of the state Com Kodiyeri Balakrishnan as the Chief Guest. This was one event that reignited the interest of the entire state in sports shooting and led to the opening of various other district-level rifle associations in the state.

The TRA had however become defunct by 2011, due to various causes and remained nonfunctional for a decade. Re-launch: The current Thiruvananthapuram District Rifle Association was launched on the 10th of January, by Hon Minister for General Education, V Sivankutty.

Our History

Thiruvananthapuram District Rifle Association: The legacy

The story of the Thiruvananthapuram District Rifle Association (TRA) is a tale of passion, purpose, and unwavering resolve. Its journey began in 1952, coinciding with the establishment of rifle clubs across the state of Kerala. Under the watchful guidance of the Chief Secretary (as per Govt. Memorandum No. 28258/54/CS Home and Circular No. H6-23553/53/CS dated 17th May 1954 of Travancore Cochin Govt.), Inspector General of Police, and District Collectors, these clubs instilled a spirit of precision and discipline among their members.

Fast forward to 1968, and the Civilian Rifle Training Scheme, envisioned in collaboration with the National Rifle Association, marked a significant turning point. This initiative, established under Rule -14 of 1968, aimed to foster responsible marksmanship skills within the community. It also led to the birth of the Kerala State Rifle Association (KSRA) in 1965, uniting diverse district clubs under one banner (as outlined in the KSRA bye-law).

However, a new chapter unfolded in 2021. TRA found itself needing a revival. Fueled by the unwavering support of esteemed dignitaries like Minister V. Sivankutty, Minister Adv. Antony Raju, MLA Shri. VK Prasanth, and ADGP Shri. Manoj Abraham IPS (as communicated by DGP & SPC to ACS-Home on 27th August 2021), the TRA embarked on a remarkable journey of establishing itself once again in Thiruvananthapuram. .

Today, the TRA stands tall, its legacy reborn. New members proudly wear their colours, participating in training and charitable endeavours. This isn't just a story of the past; it's a thrilling continuation, a testament to the unwavering spirit of marksmanship that continues to inspire generations in Kerala.

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