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The course was led by Vesa Nissinen, Director of the ISSF Academy and President of the Finnish Shooting Federation.
55 coaches were awarded diplomas
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) “B” Coaches Course, held under the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) Education Program, concluded successfully on Wednesday. This five-day event marked a significant milestone in enhancing India’s coaching infrastructure in the sport of shooting.
A total of 55 coaches received diplomas upon successfully completing the rigorous certification programme. This course was the first of its kind in India and globally on such a large scale, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the ISSF Academy and the NRAI last year.
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, providing a multidisciplinary learning experience that focused on professional coaching practices, athlete management, physical preparation, and long-term performance development.
Among the instructors was two-time Olympian and former India international rifle shooter Sanjeev Rajput, who conducted sessions on rifle shooting techniques. Agathi Kassoumi and Vidhya Jadhav covered pistol shooting techniques, while Davide Secondi of Italy, the current national coach of Saudi Arabia, delivered specialised instruction in shotgun shooting. Sayali Manjrekar addressed the importance of physiotherapy within a shooting team, and Vijendra Pal Singh conducted sessions on physical testing protocols for high-performance shooters.
At the graduation ceremony, NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh emphasised the long-term impact of the programme, noting that with 55 newly certified coaches, the system will see a direct positive impact on athlete development. He highlighted the aim of the NRAI Education Program to build a strong, knowledgeable, and ethically grounded coaching base to support athletes at all levels.
ISSF Academy Director Vesa Nissinen expressed satisfaction with the participants’ engagement and commitment, emphasising the programme’s role in preparing coaches for broader professional duties. He noted that such initiatives lay a strong foundation for future international success for India.
The conclusion of the course aligns with the NRAI’s vision of becoming a global hub for ISSF-certified coaches, officials, and technical experts. It also supports the federation’s broader efforts to decentralise talent development and enhance coaching standards nationwide.
The graduation ceremony concluded a landmark initiative under the NRAI Education Program, paving the way for future collaborations with the ISSF Academy and continued capacity-building in Indian shooting.
January 29, 2026, 14:02 IST
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