 Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, June 24: The prestigious ISSF B Judges Course (Rifle & Pistol), organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), was successfully conducted from 20th to 24th June 2026 at the Taj Hotel, Surajkund, New Delhi. The course witnessed the participation of 31 shooting officials from various parts of India, who, upon successful completion, qualified as ISSF B Judges and are now eligible to officiate at national and international shooting championships and tournaments.
The course was conducted by internationally acclaimed experts and Olympic-level officials, including Ghislaine Briez (Paris, France), Chairperson of the ISSF Judges Committee, and Paul Gumn (Great Britain), Member of the ISSF Judges Committee. Both are renowned international shooting and Olympic judges. They were assisted by Dhiraj Singh and Arun Wareshi, both distinguished ISSF A Licence Holders from India.
Among the prominent dignitaries associated with the programme was S.S. Sodhi, Member, Governing Body, National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Chairman, NRAI Souvenir & Badges Committee, and President, J&K Rifle Association. Sodhi has been regularly participating in NRAI programmes and technical courses across the country to encourage athletes, officials and aspiring judges, thereby strengthening the sport and boosting the morale of participants.
The five-day programme provided comprehensive training on ISSF rules, competition management, technical operations, ethics and judging procedures for rifle and pistol events, thereby enhancing the quality and professionalism of officiating standards in Indian shooting sports.
Speaking on the occasion, S.S. Sodhi, Member, Governing Body, NRAI said, "The NRAI continues to play a pivotal role in developing world-class technical officials for the sport of shooting. The successful completion of this ISSF B Judges Course is a significant milestone for all participants. Qualified judges are the backbone of fair and transparent competitions, and their expertise contributes greatly to the credibility of the sport. I congratulate all successful candidates and appreciate the efforts of the distinguished international instructors for sharing their invaluable knowledge and experience."
The progressive sports policy of the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, along with the sustained efforts of the J&K Sports Council, the Department of Youth Services & Sports, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India, received widespread appreciation from national and international sporting bodies during the event. The visionary Khelo India initiative launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the unwavering support and encouragement extended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha were acknowledged as instrumental in transforming the sports landscape, strengthening the sporting ecosystem, nurturing talent at the grassroots level, and creating unprecedented opportunities for aspiring athletes across the country, including the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Under the dynamic leadership of S.S. Sodhi, President of the J&K Rifle Association, shooters from Jammu & Kashmir have earned remarkable recognition at national and international levels, winning medals and accolades in prestigious competitions and bringing laurels to the Union Territory.
The course concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, marking the induction of a new group of technically qualified ISSF B Judges who will contribute towards maintaining the highest standards of officiating in shooting competitions across India and abroad. |
