NRAI launches EST Course in New Delhi to certify 33 shooting officials
Synopsis
India's shooting federation has quietly launched one of its most consequential capacity-building moves — a four-day national EST course that will funnel certified officials into the ISSF licensing pipeline. With 33 officials from across India in training, NRAI is building the technical infrastructure needed to host world-class international shooting competitions on home soil.
Key Takeaways
The NRAI National EST Course commenced on 2 August 2026 at the Goldfinch Hotel, New Delhi .
33 technical officials from across India are undergoing four days of specialised training in electronic scoring systems.
The course is conducted by ISSF-certified instructors Dhirajkumar Singh and Arun Wareshi .
Top performers will be recommended for the upcoming ISSF EST Course , leading to internationally recognised licences.
The programme concludes on 4 August 2026 after theoretical and practical evaluations.
NRAI president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo and secretary general Pawankumar Singh addressed the inaugural session.
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) on 2 August 2026 commenced its National Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course at the Goldfinch Hotel, New Delhi, bringing together 33 selected technical officials from across the country for a four-day intensive training programme. The course focuses on the operation, management, and technical maintenance of electronic scoring systems now central to modern shooting competitions.
Course Structure and Instructors
The programme is being conducted by ISSF-certified instructors Dhirajkumar Singh and Arun Wareshi, both experienced in international shooting administration. The course blends comprehensive theoretical sessions with hands-on practical evaluations, and is scheduled to conclude on 4 August 2026.
Crucially, it serves as the official qualifying gateway for officials aspiring to appear in the upcoming International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) EST Course, upon completion of which participants can earn internationally recognised ISSF EST licences. Top performers from this national course will be recommended for that next stage.
What the NRAI President Said
Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, president of the NRAI, underscored the association's strategic emphasis on technical governance. 'As shooting sports evolve with high-precision technology, upgrading our officiating infrastructure is vital to maintaining world-class match administration across Indian ranges,' he said. 'This national course is a key step in building a technologically adept workforce that can run top-tier domestic and international competitions. We remain committed to empowering our technical officials with global exposure and certification opportunities.'
Secretary General's Emphasis on Qualified Officials
The inaugural session was also addressed by Pawankumar Singh, secretary general of the NRAI, who stressed the growing importance of technically qualified staff in contemporary sports management.
'Technology is transforming the sport of shooting, and it is essential that our technical officials keep pace with these advancements,' Pawankumar said. 'EST licensing has become increasingly important as electronic scoring systems are now an integral part of modern competitions. NRAI is committed to organising such courses regularly to ensure that India remains at the forefront of technical excellence in the sport.'
Broader Significance for Indian Shooting
The NRAI National EST Course is part of the association's sustained effort to strengthen the technical backbone of Indian shooting. Electronic scoring targets have replaced manual scoring at virtually all major ISSF competitions, making certified EST officials indispensable for hosting international-standard events domestically.
This comes amid India's growing ambitions in shooting sports, with the country consistently fielding medal-contending athletes at the Olympics and World Championships. A larger pool of ISSF-certified technical officials would enable India to bid for and host more marquee international shooting events. The next step for high-performing participants — the ISSF EST Course — will determine who earns a globally valid licence to officiate at competitions worldwide.
Point of View
And India's shortage of certified technical officials has quietly constrained its ability to host top-tier international competitions. The real measure of success will be how many of these 33 officials clear the ISSF EST Course and go on to officiate internationally. If NRAI follows through on its commitment to run such courses regularly, it could meaningfully shift India from a competition participant to a credible competition host — a distinction that carries significant geopolitical and commercial value for the sport.
NationPress
2 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NRAI National EST Course?
The NRAI National Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course is a four-day training programme for technical officials, covering the operation, management, and maintenance of electronic scoring systems used in modern shooting competitions. It is being held at the Goldfinch Hotel, New Delhi, from 2 to 4 August 2026.
Who is conducting the NRAI EST Course?
The course is being conducted by ISSF-certified instructors Dhirajkumar Singh and Arun Wareshi. Both are qualified to deliver training that meets international shooting federation standards.
What happens after the NRAI EST Course?
Top-performing participants from the national course will be recommended for the upcoming ISSF EST Course, where they can earn internationally recognised ISSF EST licences, qualifying them to officiate at international shooting competitions.
How many officials are participating in the course?
33 selected technical officials from across India are participating in the four-day intensive programme.
Why is EST certification important for Indian shooting?
Electronic scoring systems are now standard at all major ISSF competitions. Having a larger pool of ISSF-certified EST officials enables India to administer international-standard events domestically and positions the country to host more marquee global shooting competitions.
