New Delhi: Shri Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), is rapidly expanding his influence in the global shooting sports arena, with his recent appointment as interim Chairperson of the ISSF E-Sports, E-Games and Technological Innovations Committee by the ISSF Council marking a significant milestone. This move is seen as a testament to his dedication and forward-thinking approach in digital innovation within the sport.
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) formally congratulated Shri Singh Deo on his new role by President Luciano Rossi and Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo, on July 16, 2025. The ISSF expressed confidence that his insights and energy will be invaluable in shaping the future of e-sports and emerging technologies in shooting.
Beyond his international committee appointment, Shri Singh Deo is actively working to elevate Indian shooting on the global stage through a series of ambitious initiatives:
- Hosting Major International Events: India is slated to host a series of high-profile international shooting competitions under his leadership. These include the Junior World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in September 2025, the inaugural Shooting League of India (SLI) in November 2025, the Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup in 2026, the ISSF World Cup (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in 2027, and the ISSF Junior World Championship (Rifle/Pistol/Shotgun) in 2028. These events are strategically planned with an eye on the Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to provide crucial exposure and development opportunities for Indian athletes.
- Launching the Shooting League of India (SLI): The groundbreaking franchise-based SLI, set to commence in November 2025, aims to create a professional league platform for shooting athletes. This initiative is expected to significantly boost the sport’s visibility and commercial viability, with the NRAI committed to making it a global “role model” for shooting.
- Strengthening Grassroots and Athlete Development: A key focus is to substantially increase India’s shooting talent pool at the grassroots level. This involves establishing more high-performing centers across the country, with locations identified in Delhi, Mhow, Kerala, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Asansol (Bengal), and a planned center in Odisha.
- Revitalizing Junior Programs: Recognizing the historical success of India’s junior shooting programs, Shri Singh Deo is collaborating with the government to integrate these programs with the Khelo India Games. This strategic move aims to ensure a seamless transition for promising junior shooters into senior ranks.
- Fostering International Collaboration: The NRAI President has highlighted the increasing trust the ISSF places in India’s capability to organize world-class events. Furthermore, international universities are showing keen interest in collaborating with the NRAI, underscoring the improved governance and stature of the organization under his leadership.
- Leveraging Technology and Outreach: To broaden the appeal of shooting and make it more accessible to a wider audience, Shri Singh Deo plans to utilize various platforms, including social media and innovative gaming technologies, addressing the challenge of making the sport more viewer-friendly.
- Building Team Depth: The NRAI is developing a system to establish two senior teams (A and B) in addition to a junior squad. This approach aims to provide international exposure to a larger pool of athletes while mitigating the risk of burnout among elite performers.
Under Shri Singh Deo’s presidency, Indian shooting has already witnessed success, including securing three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, ending a previous medal drought. With his ambitious vision and strategic initiatives, expectations are high for Indian shooting to reach unprecedented heights on the global stage.