Is Olympian Gagan Narang Competing for NRAI Presidency?
Synopsis
Olympian Gagan Narang is making headlines as he enters the race for the NRAI presidency, challenging current chief Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo. With a competitive election on the horizon, Narang's move could signal significant changes in the NRAI's leadership dynamics. Stay tuned for the developments!
Key Takeaways
Gagan Narang has declared his candidacy for NRAI presidency.
He is challenging current president Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo .
Narang is also vying for the vice president position.
The NRAI elections will take place on December 4 .
Significant changes in leadership may occur depending on the election outcomes.
New Delhi, Nov 23 (NationPress) The bronze medallist from the London 2012 Olympics, Gagan Narang, has officially declared his intention to run for the presidency of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), creating a rivalry with the incumbent president, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, ahead of the federation's elections.
Narang’s bid for leadership gained traction following the withdrawal of BJP MP and industrialist Naveen Jindal from the race last week. His nomination was endorsed by Ajay Patel, who serves as the senior vice president of the Indian Olympic Association.
In a remarkable twist, Narang has also expressed interest in the position of vice president, joining a competitive field of six candidates, which includes the current secretary general, Kunwar Sultan Singh.
Additionally, Narang’s close associate, Pawan Kumar Singh, is set to be appointed as the next secretary general since he is the sole nominee and will thus be elected unopposed. The treasurer position will see Ashok Mittal face off against Meghasham Sripad Bhangle.
The NRAI is scheduled to elect its new leadership for the 2025–2029 term during its general body meeting on December 4 in Punjab, where a 25-member governing board will also be chosen.
Recently, Narang was present at the unveiling of the King’s Baton for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games (CWG) in New Delhi.
At the event, the Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, Mansukh Mandaviya, introduced the King’s Baton at DLF Avenue, Saket. The ceremony was attended by notable figures including Lindy Cameron, the British High Commissioner to India, and P.T. Usha, the President of the Commonwealth Games Association of India.
The event, organized by the Commonwealth Games Association of India (CGAI), also featured various Olympic and CWG medallists, such as Yogeshwar Dutt, Achanta Sharath Kamal, and Gagan Narang, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Point of View
Gagan Narang's entry into the NRAI presidential race reflects a significant shift in leadership dynamics. His established reputation as an Olympian and his recent activities signal his commitment to the development of shooting sports in India. This election is poised to set the tone for the NRAI’s direction in the coming years, and Narang’s candidacy is likely to draw considerable attention.
NationPress
2 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Gagan Narang?
Gagan Narang is an Olympic bronze medallist who represented India in shooting at the London 2012 Olympics.
What position is Gagan Narang contesting for?
Gagan Narang is contesting for the presidency of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
Who is Narang competing against?
He is competing against the current president, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo.
When will the NRAI elections take place?
The NRAI elections will take place on December 4, during a general body meeting in Punjab.
What other positions are being contested in the NRAI elections?
The elections will also include contests for vice president and treasurer, among other positions.
