NRAI Partners with ISSF Academy to Enhance Shooting Coaching in India

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has partnered with the ISSF Academy to introduce ISSF-certified coaching courses in India. This collaboration aims to enhance the coaching framework for shooting sports, making world-class training accessible locally. With the support of Olympic Gold Quest, this initiative will develop a larger pool of qualified coaches and strengthen the grassroots ecosystem. The agreement outlines four categories of coaching courses, ensuring a structured approach to athlete development. This partnership marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global hub for shooting sports.
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NRAI Partners with ISSF Academy to Enhance Shooting Coaching in India

A New Era for Shooting Coaching in India

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has formed a strategic alliance with the ISSF Academy, the official educational branch of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), to introduce ISSF-certified coaching programs in India.


This partnership was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in New Delhi, with notable attendees including Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, NRAI President, Dr. Vesa Nissinen, ISSF Academy Director, and other key figures from both organizations. This collaboration marks a pivotal advancement in establishing a structured coaching education framework in the nation.


With this initiative, Indian coaches will gain access to top-tier training locally, minimizing the necessity for overseas travel and enhancing the availability of advanced learning opportunities nationwide. This effort aims to fortify the foundational ecosystem of Indian shooting by cultivating a larger cadre of qualified coaches who are well-versed in contemporary techniques and global best practices. The NRAI's initiative will also receive backing from Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ), as stated in a press release from the NRAI.


Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo expressed, “This collaboration with the ISSF Academy signifies a transformative change in coaching education for Indian shooting. For the first time, our coaches can access globally recognized training right here, eliminating geographical and financial barriers. By integrating international standards into our coaching framework, we are not only enhancing elite mentorship but also investing in the long-term growth of grassroots talent.”


The agreement outlines the implementation of four categories of ISSF Certified Coaches Courses in India: Category A (Elite/International Level), Category B (Advanced Level), Category C (Intermediate Level), and Category D (Introductory Level), all adhering to the academic standards and certification processes established by the ISSF Academy.


Dr. Vesa Nissinen remarked, “We are excited to formalize this partnership with the NRAI. By introducing ISSF-certified coaching education in India, we are helping to build a more robust and standardized coaching framework in one of the world's most vibrant shooting nations. This collaboration will facilitate knowledge sharing, promote coaching excellence, and ultimately benefit the entire shooting community both in India and worldwide.”


The ISSF Academy will appoint qualified instructors and ensure the academic integrity and delivery of the courses. Furthermore, these courses will be offered on a zonal basis throughout India, acknowledging the country's extensive geographical diversity. This strategy will provide equal opportunities for coaches from various regions to participate and gain from the programs, ensuring wider access and involvement.


K Sultan Singh, NRAI Secretary General, added, “We appreciate the ISSF and the ISSF Academy for their confidence and support in launching this initiative in India. This partnership is crucial for enhancing the Indian shooting ecosystem. By making internationally accredited coaching education available nationwide, we are not only improving our coaches' skills but also ensuring a consistent and structured approach to athlete development. This collaboration reflects our mutual commitment to excellence, and we are eager to build a strong future for the sport together.”


This initiative aligns with the NRAI's broader goal of positioning India as a global center for shooting sports, supported by a robust and organized ecosystem that nurtures talent from the grassroots level to the Olympic stage. The NRAI also plans to co-develop future courses with the ISSF.


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