NEW DELHI: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has partnered with the ISSF Academy—the official coaching and education arm of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)—to launch ISSF-certified coaching courses in India.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in New Delhi in the presence of NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, ISSF Academy Director Dr. Vesa Nissinen, NRAI Secretary General K. Sultan Singh, ISSF Academy CEO Karoliina Nissinen, NRAI Education Program Director Pawankumar Singh, and Mansher Singh, member of the ISSF Shotgun Coaches Committee. The collaboration marks a major milestone in establishing a structured, globally aligned coaching education system in India.
This initiative will give Indian coaches access to world-class training domestically, eliminating the need for international travel and making high-level education more accessible across regions. It also aims to strengthen grassroots development by expanding the pool of qualified coaches trained in modern techniques and international best practices. Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) has also joined as a partner to support the program.
Commenting on the development, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, “This partnership with the ISSF Academy marks a transformative moment for Indian shooting. For the first time, coaches in India will receive internationally certified training at home, removing barriers of geography and cost. This will not only raise the standard of elite coaching but also support talent development from the grassroots.”
Under the agreement, four levels of ISSF-certified coaching courses will be offered in India—Category A (Elite/International), B (Advanced), C (Intermediate), and D (Introductory). These programs will follow the academic and certification frameworks defined by the ISSF Academy.
Dr. Vesa Nissinen, Director of the ISSF Academy, stated, “We are delighted to formalise this partnership with NRAI. By delivering ISSF-certified coaching education in India, we are helping build a stronger and more standardised coaching system in one of the world’s most vibrant shooting nations. This collaboration promotes knowledge-sharing, coaching excellence, and benefits the entire shooting ecosystem.”
The ISSF Academy will appoint approved instructors and monitor the academic quality and execution of the courses. Training will also be conducted on a zonal basis across India to ensure accessibility for coaches from diverse regions.
NRAI Secretary General K. Sultan Singh added, “We sincerely thank the ISSF and ISSF Academy for their trust and collaboration. This initiative is a vital step in reinforcing the foundation of Indian shooting. By expanding access to internationally recognised coaching, we’re creating a consistent and structured pathway for athlete development. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to excellence.”
This initiative is part of NRAI’s broader vision to establish India as a global hub for shooting sports, supported by a robust coaching and talent development ecosystem. NRAI also plans to co-develop new courses with the ISSF in the future.
