What Legacy Did Ace Shooter and Dronacharya Awardee Coach Sunny Thomas Leave Behind?
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Synopsis
The sporting world mourns the loss of Sunny Thomas, a celebrated shooting coach who shaped the careers of many Olympians, including Abhinav Bhindra. His contributions to Indian shooting are unparalleled, and his passing marks a significant loss for the sports community. Join us as we explore his remarkable journey and lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- Sunny Thomas was a pivotal figure in Indian shooting.
- He coached Abhinav Bhindra, India's first Olympic gold medallist.
- Thomas won the Dronacharya Award for his coaching excellence.
- His teams garnered over 235 medals in major competitions.
- His legacy will inspire future generations of athletes.
Kottayam, April 30 (NationPress) The renowned shooting coach Sunny Thomas, who played a pivotal role in training India's first individual Olympic gold medallist Abhinav Bhindra, has sadly passed away at the age of 83 after suffering a cardiac arrest at his residence on Wednesday.
On the day of his passing, Thomas experienced discomfort at home, leading his wife to seek assistance from neighbors. Tragically, he passed away en route to the hospital.
The final rites are scheduled for Thursday.
Even in his later years, he remained actively engaged with the sport, having attended a Kottayam Rifle Association meeting just last month. A former English professor, Thomas dedicated himself to the coaching profession only after retiring. He took charge of the Indian shooting team in 1993, a role he maintained until 2012.
Before his coaching career, Thomas was a national shooting champion in the rifle open sight category.
During his coaching tenure, India achieved remarkable success, securing 108 gold, 74 silver, and 53 bronze medals across various competitions, including the World Championships, Olympics, and Asian Games.
For his exceptional contributions to the sport, Thomas received the Dronacharya Award in 2001.
In addition to Bhindra, he significantly influenced Major Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore's silver medal performance at the Olympics and mentored athletes like Vijay Kumar and Gagan Narang, both of whom earned medals at the 2012 London Olympics. Notably, his two sons are also former state-level shooting champions.
Opposition Leader V.D. Satheesan expressed his condolences over the loss of this iconic figure in shooting. He noted, "Thomas helped his athletes secure 29 medals at the Asian Games and 95 medals at the Commonwealth Games. This reflects his unwavering dedication to the sport. His passing leaves a significant void in the sporting community."
Point of View
I express profound sorrow at the loss of Sunny Thomas. His expertise and dedication transformed the landscape of Indian shooting, bringing glory to the nation. His legacy will inspire future generations of athletes and coaches alike. We stand united in honoring his contributions and ensuring his memory lives on.
NationPress
18/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Sunny Thomas known for?
Sunny Thomas was a legendary shooting coach known for mentoring India's first individual Olympic gold medallist, Abhinav Bhindra, as well as numerous other successful athletes.
When did Sunny Thomas pass away?
Sunny Thomas passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 83 due to a cardiac arrest.
What awards did Sunny Thomas receive?
He was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2001 for his exceptional contributions to the sport of shooting.
What impact did Sunny Thomas have on Indian shooting?
Under his guidance, the Indian shooting team won 108 gold, 74 silver, and 53 bronze medals in various international competitions.
Was Sunny Thomas involved in coaching after retirement?
Yes, after retiring as an English professor, he dedicated himself fully to coaching, leading the Indian shooting team from 1993 to 2012.
