New Delhi

The five-day International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) ‘B’ Coaches Course, conducted under the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Education Programme, concluded successfully on Wednesday, marking a significant step towards strengthening India’s coaching ecosystem in the sport of shooting.

According to an official release, 55 coaches were awarded diplomas on the final day after successfully completing the intensive certification programme. Following the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed last year between the ISSF Academy and the NRAI, this was the first time such a course was conducted in India and, notably, anywhere in the world at this scale.

The course was led by Vesa Nissinen, Director of the ISSF Academy and President of the Finnish Shooting Federation. It featured a diverse faculty of international and Indian experts, offering a comprehensive and multidisciplinary learning experience. The programme went beyond technical instruction, focusing on athlete management, physical preparation and long-term performance development.

Two-time Olympian and former India international rifle shooter Sanjeev Rajput led sessions on rifle shooting techniques, while Agathi Kassoumi and Vidhya Jadhav conducted modules on pistol shooting. Shotgun shooting techniques were covered by Italy’s Davide Secondi, the current national coach of Saudi Arabia.

Sessions on sports science and athlete support were also included, with Sayali Manjrekar highlighting the role of physiotherapy in shooting teams and Vijendra Pal Singh conducting modules on physical testing protocols for high-performance shooters.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh described the programme as a milestone for Indian shooting. “The successful completion of this ISSF ‘B’ Coaches Course is a major step in building a strong, knowledgeable and ethically grounded coaching base. With 55 newly certified coaches, we are adding depth and quality to the system, which will directly benefit athlete development in the years to come,” he said.

ISSF Academy Director Vesa Nissinen praised the enthusiasm of the participants. “The level of commitment and curiosity shown by the coaches has been outstanding. This programme prepares coaches for a broader professional role, encompassing structured training environments, athlete psychology, physical preparation and teamwork with support staff,” he said, adding that India has immense potential for international success.

The conclusion of the course reinforces the NRAI’s vision of positioning India as a global hub for ISSF-certified coaches, officials and technical experts, and aligns with its broader efforts to decentralise talent development and raise coaching standards nationwide.

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The graduation ceremony brought to a close a landmark initiative under the NRAI Education Programme, setting the stage for future collaborations with the ISSF Academy and continued capacity-building in Indian shooting.