The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has entered into a landmark partnership with the ISSF Academy — the official coaching and education arm of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) — to bring ISSF-certified coaching programmes to India for the first time.
This strategic collaboration aims to provide Indian coaches with access to internationally accredited training within the country, eliminating the need for expensive overseas travel. By decentralising access to high-quality coaching education, the initiative seeks to raise training standards across India’s extensive shooting community. It also promises to strengthen grassroots development by expanding the pool of qualified coaches equipped with global techniques and best practices. Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) has joined the initiative as a supporting partner.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on Tuesday in New Delhi, with key representatives present: NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, ISSF Academy director Vesa Nissinen, NRAI secretary general K. Sultan Singh, and ISSF Academy CEO Karoliina Nissinen.
NRAI president KNS Deo commented, “For the first time, Indian coaches will have access to globally certified training right here at home, removing barriers of geography and cost.”
India will host ISSF Certified Coaches Courses across four categories:
* Category A – Elite/International Level
* Category B – Advanced Level
* Category C – Intermediate Level
* Category D – Introductory Level
All courses will follow the ISSF Academy’s academic framework and certification standards. The ISSF Academy will appoint qualified instructors and ensure academic integrity and quality control across course delivery. In recognition of India’s geographical diversity, the coaching programmes will be conducted on a zonal basis.
