Ronak is NRAI observer, Mansher, Suma in line for India coaching jobs

Vinayak Padmadeo

Tribune News Service

New Delhi,  January 20

Suma Shirur and Mansher Singh, two of the most recognisable faces on the Indian shooting ranges, are in line to take up coaching roles with the Indian team.

National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has recommended Suma’s name for the post of high performance specialist coach for the junior rifle team, while Mansher has been picked to become the chief national coach of the shotgun team.

A third shooter, Ronak Pandit, Heena Sidhu’s coach and husband, has already been given an appointment letter to become the NRAI Observer for the rifle and pistol team. NRAI had first recommended Pandit’s name for the high performance director but Sports Authority of India (SAI) and Sports Ministry had their reservations over this due to a potential conflict of interest as his wife Heena is an active shooter and he also trains a few other pistol shooters. NRAI, nonetheless, appointed him as an observer. 

Suma and Mansher, meanwhile, will get contracts from SAI under the financial assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) scheme.

Mansher said he has been contacted to take up the coaching role. “NRAI has asked for my bio data, which I have already sent. SAI has also informally had a talk with me for the position. But I have not signed any contract with them yet. I will be honoured to become the national coach,” he told The Tribune on Saturday.

High performance manager to NRAI observer

Pandit was first issued an appointment letter to become the high performance manager but his designation was changed to NRAI Observer for rifle/pistol.

“I have received the appointment letter but NRAI is yet to formally announce it. I have already started working with the NRAI. We were all busy with the year’s first trials and now that they are over all the other coaches will be notified about my role,” Pandit said. Pandit said he will still have time to train Heena and others including Shahzar Rizvi with the added responsibility.