New Delhi: In a landmark development for Indian shooting, the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and the ISSF Academy, the official coaching and education wing of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), today signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch ISSF-certified coaching courses across India.
This monumental collaboration, driven forward by the visionary leadership of Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President, NRAI, is set to revolutionize coaching education and grassroots development in the sport.
The signing ceremony, held in New Delhi, saw the presence of key dignitaries including Shri K. Sultan Singh, Secretary General, NRAI, Ms. Karoliina Nissinen, CEO, ISSF Academy, and Dr. Vesa Nissinen, Director, ISSF Academy.
Speaking at the event, Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo emphasized the transformative potential of this partnership. “This alliance with the ISSF Academy signifies a monumental shift in how we approach coaching education in Indian shooting,” he stated. “For the very first time, our coaches will have access to globally certified training right here at home, effectively dismantling barriers of geography and cost. By embedding international standards into our coaching structure, we are not only elevating the quality of mentorship at the elite level but also making a crucial investment in the long-term development of talent at the grassroots.”
This collaboration will enable Indian coaches to receive world-class training within the country, significantly reducing the need for international travel and making advanced learning far more accessible across all regions. It is anticipated to create a larger pool of highly qualified coaches, equipped with modern techniques and global best practices, thereby strengthening the entire grassroots ecosystem of Indian shooting. The initiative will also receive support from Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) as partners.
Under the terms of the agreement, four categories of ISSF Certified Coaches Courses will be conducted in India: Category A (Elite/International Level), Category B (Advanced Level), Category C (Intermediate Level), and Category D (Introductory Level). These courses will adhere strictly to the academic framework and certification procedures defined by the ISSF Academy. The ISSF Academy will be responsible for nominating approved instructors and overseeing the academic quality and delivery of these programs.
Dr. Vesa Nissinen, Director, ISSF Academy, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are delighted to formalize this collaboration with the NRAI. By bringing ISSF-certified coaching education to India, we are contributing to the creation of a more robust and standardized coaching framework in one of the world’s most dynamic shooting nations. This cooperation will facilitate knowledge exchange, foster coaching excellence, and ultimately benefit the entire shooting ecosystem both in India and globally.”
Shri K. Sultan Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, added, “We are immensely grateful to the ISSF and the ISSF Academy for their trust and support in bringing this vital initiative to India. This collaboration is a significant leap forward in strengthening our shooting ecosystem. By making internationally accredited coaching education accessible nationwide, we are not only enhancing the capabilities of our coaches but also ensuring a consistent and structured approach to athlete development. This partnership truly reflects our shared commitment to excellence, and we eagerly anticipate building a strong future for the sport together.”
A unique aspect of this initiative is the plan to conduct courses on a zonal basis across India, acknowledging the nation’s vast geographical diversity. This ensures equal opportunity for coaches from different regions to attend and benefit from the programs, promoting broader access and participation. The NRAI also intends to co-develop courses with the ISSF in the future, further cementing this progressive partnership.