NRAI Set for Presidential Election Amid Key Changes

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will elect a new president on September 14 following Raninder Singh's departure after a 12-year tenure. This election is crucial ahead of the ISSF World Cup Final and the upcoming Paris Olympics. Key issues include new coaches and High Performance Director appointments.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) will elect its new president on September 14, filling the vacancy left by Raninder Singh after completing his maximum 12-year tenure under the National Sports Code.

NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh confirmed that the election will only cover the president's role for the remaining one year term in the current electoral cycle. The general body meeting for the election will be held in Delhi on the same day.

The vacancy arose after the Sports Ministry's directive that national sports federation heads cannot exceed a 12-year tenure. Senior vice-president Kalikesh Singh Deo has been holding the position temporarily for the past 16 months.

Despite previous objections from certain state associations, the election process is now moving forward under the supervision of Retired Chief Justice Anil Dev Singh. The ministry has warned of 'appropriate action' if the elections are delayed past the prescribed timeline.

This election is seen as vital due to the upcoming ISSF World Cup Final and the performance of Indian shooters at the Paris Olympics. The meeting may also address other key issues like appointing new coaches and a High Performance Director for the next Olympic cycle.

Additionally, the fate of esteemed coach Jaspal Rana, who had a contentious exit from the Karni Singh Range, might also come up for discussion.

(With inputs from agencies.)