The second edition of the Military Literature Festival (MLF) started in Patiala, with the 1st Archery and Shotgun Shooting Championship building the momentum towards the main event, scheduled for December 7-9, this year.

The event is a joint initiative of the Punjab Government, led by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, and the Chandigarh Administration led by VP Singh Badnore, in collaboration with the Indian Army.

The competitions on Saturday saw a scintillating display of young sporting talent from across the state, capturing the essence of military's formidable sporting culture and ethos.

A total of 150 Archers from across the state, including 20 International sportspersons, participated in the Archery event. World Cup Gold medalist Amanjeet Singh, Asia Cup Gold medalist Prabhjot Kaur, besides the Asia Cup Silver winner Vikas Ranjan were present.

In the Shotgun Shooting Championships, being held at New Moti Bagh Gun Club in

village Mainn, shooters from seven other states besides Punjab competed in Trap, Skeet and Double Trap events.

Young student horse riders of PPS Nabha, besides armymen from the 61st Cavalry, will enthrall the audience with their show on Sunday, the second day. The events would conclude with the Western Command Polo Challenge match to be played at Patiala Polo and Riding Club followed by the Army band display on Sunday.

These events will be followed by a spree of other events to be held in Chandigarh.

More than 550 people, including students from city schools, attended the sporting events with bigger crowds expected at the subsequent competitions and programmes, organisers said.