UditVani, Jamshedpur: The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on Monday inaugurated the NRAI National Coaches Course in Jamshedpur, marking a significant milestone for shooting sports in Jharkhand.
The seven-day training programme is being held at Hotel Alcor and is the first national-level coaches training course organized in the state since its formation in 2000.
A total of 33 coaches from five states—Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Odisha, and Chhattisgarh—are participating in the intensive programme aimed at strengthening coaching standards in rifle and pistol shooting.
The initiative is designed to develop skilled coaches at the grassroots level and promote the growth of shooting sports across the region.
During the course, participants will receive training from experienced faculty members of the NRAI.
The curriculum includes technical shooting skills, sports science, coaching methods, and communication techniques.
The programme aims to equip coaches with the knowledge and expertise required to guide young athletes effectively and prepare them for higher levels of competition.
Addressing the opening ceremony, Pawankumar Singh congratulated Diwakar Singh and the Jharkhand State Rifle Association (JSRA) for successfully hosting the national course in Jamshedpur.
He emphasized that bringing such programmes to new regions is essential for the expansion of shooting sports in the country.
“Diwakar Singh and the Jharkhand State Rifle Association have taken a very positive step by hosting this course. It will help develop strong coaching at the grassroots level and create new opportunities for young shooters in the state,” he said.
Singh also thanked Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) for supporting the initiative and enabling the course to be conducted without any participation fee for the coaches.
He further outlined NRAI’s plans to expand shooting sports through an online learning system that will help trained coaches guide physical education teachers in schools on the basics of shooting and sports training.
Highlighting another initiative, Singh announced that from next year NRAI plans to introduce a simplified format called “Shooting from the Table” for school athletes.
Under this format, students will be able to practice air rifle or air pistol shooting using a table setup, making it easier for schools with limited infrastructure to introduce the sport.
Promising performers from the programme will later gain access to proper shooting ranges and professional training.
He also noted that the NRAI will celebrate 75 years of service to shooting sports in India on April 17 this year, marking its Platinum Jubilee.
State rifle associations across the country have been encouraged to organize competitions, training camps, and events to inspire the next generation of shooters.
Expressing his happiness at hosting the course, Diwakar Singh said the initiative is a proud moment for Jharkhand. “Hosting the first NRAI Coaches Course in Jharkhand after 26 years will help local coaches gain professional knowledge and improve training standards for young shooters,” he said.
The NRAI Education Programme has already trained more than 900 coaches and over 500 officials across rifle, pistol, and shotgun disciplines.
With participation in national shooting championships steadily increasing, the course is expected to further strengthen the ecosystem of shooting sports in Jharkhand and neighbouring states.
