THE NATIONAL RIFLE ASSOCIATION OF INDIA (NRAI) has unveiled an ambitious grassroots development programme to introduce 7.5 lakh school students to the sport of shooting as part of its 75th foundation anniversary celebrations in 2026.
The initiative is one of the largest mass-participation efforts ever undertaken in Indian shooting and reflects a strategic push to expand the talent base and popularise the sport nationwide. Announced during the NRAI’s foundation day celebrations, the programme will run throughout the anniversary year and aims to directly expose students to shooting fundamentals.
NRAI teams will visit schools or Invite students to nearby shooting ranges and each student will get a chance to fire 10 shots, offering hands-on exposure to the sport. NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh emphasised that the initiative will be executed with support from government bodies, Ministry of Sports, shooting academies, local clubs across districts and cities.
The core aim of the programme is to unearth new talent, democratise access to shooting and strenthen India’s shooting legacy. Shooting has historically been one of the country’s most successful Olympic disciplines, producing champions such as Abhinav Bindra, Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Gagan Narang, and Manu Bhaker.
