The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) commenced its specialised Shotgun Referee Course on Thursday, June 25, running through June 28. The four-day intensive programme brought together 14 selected participants from across the country, underscoring the NRAI's commitment to strengthening the technical officiating framework of Indian shooting sports.
Course Conducted by ISSF Experts
The course is being led by Amar Jang Singh, Member of the ISSF Shotgun Committee, and Mehul Patel, a senior NRAI shotgun official. Through a blend of theoretical and practical modules, participants receive in-depth training on international shotgun competition rules, officiating procedures, advanced range management, and the evolving responsibilities of referees at national-level competitions.
NRAI President Emphasises Global Standards
Highlighting the institutional vision, NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo stated, "As Indian shooting grows exponentially on the global stage, our off-field technical expertise must mirror the elite standards our athletes showcase on the ranges. Strengthening our domestic officiating framework is just as vital as nurturing grassroots talent. This course is a key part of our broader strategy to build a world-class pool of certified officials, ensuring our domestic circuit is executed with absolute precision, complete integrity, and strict alignment with global standards."
Secretary General Highlights Role of Officials
The course was officially inaugurated by Pawankumar Singh, Secretary General of NRAI, who welcomed the participants and emphasised the critical operational role of technical officials in the sustainable development of the sport. He remarked, "The success and credibility of any shooting competition depend entirely on the competence and professionalism of its technical officials. With the rapid expansion of shotgun shooting across India and a packed domestic calendar, there is an urgent need for well-trained, knowledgeable referees. The NRAI remains committed to investing in this pool of talent, an effort that is greatly empowered by the continuous support of the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ). I am confident that the expertise gained over these four days will significantly elevate the conducting standards of our national tournaments."
Rigorous Assessments Ahead
Over the next four days, participants will undergo rigorous practical assessments and theoretical examinations to test their officiating capabilities before being deployed at upcoming national and international competitions. This initiative reinforces the NRAI's holistic approach to investing concurrently in the education and development of coaches, technical officials, and athletes to sustainably elevate the ecosystem of shooting sports in India.
