New Delhi: In a bold move that signals a potential shift in Indian shooting-sports governance, Olympic bronze medallist Gagan Narang has officially entered the presidential race for the NRAI, setting up a high-stakes contest against incumbent Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo. Narang’s nomination was put forward by the senior vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association and his candidacy gained renewed momentum following the withdrawal of industrialist and MP Naveen Jindal.
The elections for the 2025-29 term will take place during the general-body meeting scheduled for 4 December in Punjab, where a 25-member governing board will also be elected. In an unusual twist, Narang has also filed his nomination for the vice-president post, joining a field of six aspirants.
Why this matters
Narang’s entry carries more than symbolic weight—he brings to the table a decorated shooting-career and a strong voice for athlete-led administration. Among his most notable achievements:
- Bronze medal in the Men’s 10 m Air Rifle at the 2012 London Olympics, scoring 701.1 points in the final.
- A World Cup Final victory in Bangkok in 2008 in the 10 m Air Rifle event with a perfect qualification score of 600 and final total of 703.5.
- Multiple gold medals at Commonwealth Games and Asian Championships, along with earning India a Rio Olympics quota via his bronze at the 2015 ISSF World Cup in Fort Benning (score: 626.3 qualification, 185.8 final) in 50 m Rifle Prone.
His competitive credential provides him legitimacy when advocating for improving infrastructure, athlete support, and governance in the sport.
What lies ahead
With Narang challenging the sitting NRAI boss, the upcoming election is likely to become a focal point for the future direction of Indian shooting. Will the sport see an administrative realignment favouring former athletes? Will there be renewed emphasis on grassroots development, transparency and performance enhancement? Narang’s dual nomination (for president and vice-president) underscores the layered power dynamics at play.
For the shooting fraternity and sports-administration watchers, 4 December is now a date to watch closely. A win for Narang could mark the beginning of a new chapter; for his opponents, it will be about maintaining continuity. Either way, the election may shape how India’s shooters prepare for major global events like the 2026 Commonwealth Games and beyond.
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