NRAI hosts ISSF EST Course in New Delhi for 28 Asian shooting officials
Synopsis
India — already home to the world's largest pool of ISSF Judges and EST licence holders — is now hosting a five-day ISSF Electronic Scoring Target course in New Delhi, drawing 28 officials from four Asian nations. The NRAI's push to train more certified officials at home signals a quiet but significant bid to cement India's dominance in shooting sport administration, not just competition.
Key Takeaways
NRAI is hosting the ISSF EST Course at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi from 10 to 14 August 2026 .
28 participants from India, Japan, South Korea , and Saudi Arabia are attending the five-day programme.
The course is led by Jadranka Strukic (Croatia), assisted by Robert Ferencak (Slovenia) and Dhiraj Kumar Singh (India).
An EST licence is mandatory for judges on Rifle and Pistol juries at ISSF World Cups and the Olympic Games .
India reportedly holds the largest number of both ISSF Judges licences and EST licences in the world.
The programme concludes with formal assessments on 14 August 2026 .
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is hosting an International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi, bringing together 28 technical officials from four countries to sharpen expertise in electronic scoring systems used at the highest levels of global shooting competition. The five-day programme, running from 10 to 14 August 2026, is part of a broader push by ISSF and NRAI to build a regionally robust pool of certified EST officials.
Course Structure and Instructors
The course is being conducted by Jadranka Strukic of Croatia, with Robert Ferencak of Slovenia and Dhiraj Kumar Singh of India serving as assistant instructors. Participants from India, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia are attending, gaining hands-on experience in handling EST systems under official ISSF rules and match administration protocols.
Opening Ceremony and Key Officials
The inauguration was attended by NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh, NRAI Treasurer M.S. Bhangle, and NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia. Welcoming the international delegation, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said, 'Hosting the ISSF EST Course in New Delhi is a proud moment for NRAI. Technology is at the very heart of modern shooting sport. Mastering Electronic Scoring Target systems ensures that our match administration consistently meets the highest global standards. India has the largest number of ISSF Judges licence holders in the world, and we also have the largest number of EST licence holders. This reflects the strong pool of qualified technical officials that India has developed over the years.'
Why the EST Licence Matters
An EST licence is a mandatory qualification for judges serving on Rifle and Pistol juries at international ISSF competitions, including World Cups and the Olympic Games. NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh noted that the federation is implementing these exact standards in domestic events to expand opportunities for Indian officials on the global stage. He also extended thanks to ISSF President Luciano Rossi for facilitating the course in India.
Significance for Indian Shooting
India's standing in shooting sport administration has grown considerably in recent years. The country reportedly holds the largest number of both ISSF Judges licences and EST licences globally — a distinction that underscores the depth of its technical officiating infrastructure. This course builds on that foundation, with the NRAI and ISSF framing it as a regional knowledge-sharing initiative. The programme concludes on 14 August 2026 with formal assessments for all participants.
Point of View
But it is a strategic asset. Holding the world's largest pool of ISSF Judges and EST licence holders gives India leverage in hosting rights, jury appointments, and the shaping of competition standards — benefits that compound over time. The NRAI's decision to bring a multi-nation EST course to New Delhi, rather than sending officials abroad, reflects a maturing federation that is exporting expertise, not just importing it. The real measure of success will be how many of the 28 participants go on to serve at World Cups and Olympic Games — and whether India can convert administrative depth into more podium moments at those same events.
NationPress
12 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ISSF EST Course being held in New Delhi?
The ISSF Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course is a five-day certification programme hosted by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) at Crowne Plaza, New Delhi, from 10 to 14 August 2026. It trains technical officials from India, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia in handling electronic scoring systems used at international shooting competitions.
Why is an EST licence important for shooting officials?
An EST licence is mandatory for judges serving on Rifle and Pistol juries at ISSF international competitions, including World Cups and the Olympic Games. Without it, officials cannot be appointed to the highest-level juries in the sport.
Who is conducting the ISSF EST Course in New Delhi?
The course is being led by Jadranka Strukic of Croatia, with Robert Ferencak of Slovenia and Dhiraj Kumar Singh of India as assistant instructors. The NRAI is the host federation.
How many countries are participating in the New Delhi EST Course?
Four countries are represented — India, Japan, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia — with a total of 28 technical officials attending the five-day programme.
What is India's standing in ISSF officiating globally?
According to NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, India holds the largest number of ISSF Judges licence holders and EST licence holders in the world, reflecting the depth of its technical officiating infrastructure in shooting sport.
