NRAI National Coaches Course commences in Jamshedpur with 33 coaches attending
Ranvir Singh
Jamshedpur : The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) today inaugurated the NRAI National Coaches Course at Hotel Alcor, marking a historic milestone for shooting sports in Jharkhand. This is the first such course held in the state since its formation in 2000, bringing elite training to aspiring coaches and fueling the growth of the sport at the grassroots level.
A total of 33 coaches from five states, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh, are participating in this intensive seven-day program. Designed to revolutionize coaching in rifle and pistol shooting, the course equips participants with NRAI-certified skills in technical instruction, sports science, and communication. Under the guidance of expert NRAI faculty, attendees will gain the tools to identify and nurture young talent, preparing India for greater success on global stages.
Mr. Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, extended his congratulations to Mr. Diwakar Singh, President of the Jharkhand State Rifle Association (JSRA) and to the entire state rifle association, for his visionary leadership in hosting this prestigious course. “Mr. Diwakar Singh’s proactive efforts have opened new doors for shooting development in Jharkhand. This initiative will strengthen the grassroots ecosystem and produce world class coaches,” said Mr. Singh during the opening ceremony. He also thanked OGQ for their generous support in conducting the course at no cost to participants.
Highlighting NRAI’s ambitious future plans, Mr. Singh announced innovative programs to expand access to shooting nationwide. “As NRAI cannot reach every corner directly, these newly trained coaches will train PT teachers across schools through an upcoming online system. They will teach not only shooting but also how to play all sports, building a strong multi-sport foundation from the grassroots level,” he added. “From next year, we’ll introduce ‘shooting from the table’ for school athletes a simple, accessible entry point where they practice air pistol or rifle from a tabletop setup. The best performers will receive full facilities and pathways to mainstream competitive shooting.”
Mr. Singh also called on state associations to join NRAI’s landmark anniversary celebrations. “On 17th April 2026, NRAI will complete 75 glorious years of service to shooting sports in India. We urge all state rifle associations to celebrate this Platinum Jubilee throughout the year at your local ranges organize events, camps, and competitions to inspire the next generation and honor our legacy.”
Mr. Diwakar Singh, President of JSRA, expressed his gratitude and enthusiasm for the milestone event. “Hosting the first NRAI Coaches Course in Jharkhand after 26 years is a dream come true. This will empower our local coaches to transform shooting from a niche sport into a household name here. With NRAI’s support, we’re committed to scouting talent from every district and rivaling top shooting states. He also requested to host zonal championships in Jharkhand, and Secretary General Pawankumar Singh agreed to provide full support once the proper infrastructure is ready,” he said. Singh also praised the diverse participation, noting how it fosters collaboration among neighboring states.
The event underscores NRAI’s unwavering commitment to expanding coach education across India, aligning with national goals for Olympic excellence and the Khelo India initiative. By investing in human capital, NRAI aims to create a robust pipeline of coaches who can drive sustained growth in shooting sports, from rural schools to international podiums. Under the NRAI Education Program, the association has trained over 900 coaches and 500 officials in rifle, pistol, and shotgun events.
In 2025, the National Championships drew over 19,500 athletes nationwide, including strong representation from Jharkhand, which has 1,150+ athletes registered with NRAI and 350 who competed in the nationals.