Controversy Surrounds NRAI Over Shooter's Credentials

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is embroiled in controversy following an RTI query revealing conflicting information about Amarjung Singh's shooting credentials. National shooter Baber Khan's inquiry led to discrepancies in Singh's participation in competitions, prompting a writ petition from fellow shooter Deepak Kumar. Despite the allegations, NRAI officials claim the issues stem from clerical errors. This situation raises significant questions about the integrity of the NRAI's appointment processes and the qualifications of its personnel. Read on to discover the full details of this unfolding story.

By Narendra Chaudhary Nov 7, 2026, 04:28 IST

NRAI Faces Scrutiny Over Amarjung Singh's Qualifications

A recent Right to Information (RTI) request and a subsequent writ petition have put the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) under scrutiny. A response from the NRAI in January 2026 to national shooter Baber Khan regarding Amarjung Singh, the shotgun team's coordinator, revealed discrepancies in Singh's shooting experience.

When asked for details about Singh's competition history and his International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) identification number, the NRAI stated that he has never competed.

Nimit Chopra, the principal information officer and office secretary of the NRAI, confirmed in the response, "Mr. Amarjung Singh has not participated in any National/International competitions."

In a previous response to the same inquiry, the former secretary general DV Seetharama Rao also indicated that Singh had never engaged in shooting.

Interestingly, Singh's two contracts, the first from 2023 and another from 2025, present conflicting qualifications. The 2023 notarized contract states, "The coordinator is a citizen of India and has been a National Level Shooter."

In contrast, the 2025 contract claims a significant upgrade, stating, "The coordinator is a citizen of India and has been an International Level Shooter."

These revelations, along with additional concerns, are highlighted in a writ petition filed by fellow national shooter Deepak Kumar in the Delhi High Court. Kumar is seeking intervention regarding Singh's and skeet coach Neelanjana Ghosal's appointments.

Despite the allegations, NRAI's secretary general Pawan Singh has dismissed the claims against Singh, attributing them to a clerical mistake.

"I do not see a problem in all of this. We have already clarified that he is not a coach but has been appointed as a coordinator. As far as his credential as a shooter, it was a mere typo error from us, that is all," Pawan Singh stated in an interview.

"Let me also add, he is valued both in the NRAI and the ISSF. He is an ISSF licensed coach and jury and is routinely called by our international federation to assist during competitions. We also use his experience as technical director during our national competitions," he further explained.