Over the years, JP Nautiyal, Chairman and Chief Coach, Sports Technical Committee, Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), has mentored scores of para-athletes in the country and been a huge source of encouragement to them over the years with his words and actions.
His work is now being acknowledged on the world stage with the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) zeroing on Nautiyal to head a special project in Peru.
The WSPS Coach Course scheduled in Arequipa from July 3-8 will have Dronacharya awardee Nautiyal as the Coach Course Educator.
Highlighting Nautiyal’s invaluable contribution to para shooting, the WSPS release announcing his appointment said, “JP is one of the most experienced coaches in the world for shooting para sport. His programme with Team India has become one of the strongest teams in the world. We are grateful to have the experience of JP as he helps other coaches around the world to increase the knowledge and capacity of their programmes.”
The world body’s reference to Nautiyal’s contribution is backed by solid numbers.
Ever since he took over as chief coach of para shooting in 2016, Indian para shooters have improved by leaps and bounds.
From then till now, the country has bagged 170 international medals at World Championships, World Cups and Para Asian Games.
At the 2021 Tokyo Paralympics, India’s impressive haul read 2 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze.
The Paris Paralympics is around the corner, and hopes float of another rich medals haul with the para shooters bagging 9 quota places for the country.
For one driven by humility, the WSPS opportunity has strengthened Nautiyal’s resolve to keep striving towards his goals.
“I am so thankful to WSPS and PCI to give me such a wonderful opportunity. To be the first Indian coach to impart training to coaches from around the world gives me immense satisfaction and great confidence,” he said.