The ISSF Academy has confirmed that 40% of the participants in its latest coaching course, which began on Monday, are from India. This information was shared by the ISSF Academy in an email to former India shooter Shimon Sharif on Thursday.
This course marks a significant step in the newly established collaboration between the ISSF Academy and Sharif, aimed at promoting shooting sport coaching education in India.
“The ISSF Academy is pleased to partner with Mr. Shimon Sharif as part of its commitment to providing shooting sport coaching education in India,” said Karoliina Nissinen, Head of Administration at the ISSF Academy, in a letter last month.
“We strongly believe that this initiative will not only elevate coaching standards across the country but also contribute to the development of a new generation of Indian shooters capable of excelling on the world stage.” she said.
Nissinen added, “The ISSF Academy looks forward to working closely with Mr. Shimon Sharif to ensure the program’s resounding success and create a lasting impact on the future of shooting sport in India.”
“I am honored to collaborate with the ISSF Academy to promote shooting sport coaching education in India. I have been in touch with a growing number of passionate coaches from across the country, all of whom are eager to enroll in the ISSF Academy’s internationally recognized coaching courses. Their enthusiasm reflects the increasing commitment to elevating shooting standards in India, and I firmly believe these coaching courses will play a pivotal role in helping them achieve their goals and in contributing to the future success of Indian shooting on the world stage,” said Sharif.
India’s consistent success in global shooting competitions, including its outstanding performance at the Paris Olympics, makes this collaboration even more significant. At the Paris Games last year, India made history by securing three shooting medals—a record for the country. Pistol ace Manu Bhaker made history as the first Indian athlete post-Independence to win two medals in a single Olympic Games.