The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) is set to elect its new president on September 14. This election fills the vacancy left by Raninder Singh after his 12-year tenure, the maximum permissible under the National Sports Code. NRAI secretary-general Sultan Singh informed PTI that the elections will only be for the president’s position for the remaining term of the current electoral cycle, which is just one year.
Singh stated, “The elections will only be for the post of president for the remaining term. We will call a general body meeting on September 14 in Delhi, and the president will be elected on the same day.” Last year, the Sports Ministry issued a directive stating that heads of national sports federations cannot hold office for more than 12 years, as per the National Sports Code.
Since Raninder’s departure in April 2022, senior vice-president Kalikesh Singh Deo has been leading the NRAI. Singh further explained the election process, saying, “The process was taken up a long time back, the Returning Officer was appointed. But there were objections raised by certain state associations, so they were disposed of by an order, and after that, only the elections are taking place.”
The Returning Officer is (Retd) Chief Justice Anil Dev Singh, former Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court. The ministry has also urged the NRAI to hold elections for the president’s post within the prescribed timeline, warning of “appropriate action” under the Sports Code if they fail to do so.
The ministry had pointed out in March 2022 that Raninder had completed 12 years as president, from December 29, 2010, to December 29, 2022. According to the code, he was unable to continue further. Raninder was last re-elected as NRAI president in September 2021.
A source indicated that the NRAI aimed to have a president in place before the prestigious ISSF World Cup Final at the Karni Singh Ranges in October. The source stated, “The World Cup Final in October and the Indian shooters’ performance at the Paris Olympics have put the spotlight on the federation, and they want to hold the elections when things are looking positive.”
The source also mentioned that several crucial issues, such as appointing new coaches and a High-Performance Director for the next Olympic cycle, could be discussed during the General Body Meeting. However, Singh emphasized that the only item on the agenda for now was the election of the president.
Another notable issue is the future of pistol shooter Manu Bhaker’s personal coach, Jaspal Rana, within the federation. Rana had alleged earlier this year that he was asked to leave the Karni Singh Range by HPD Pierre Beauchamp, sparking controversy. The NRAI’s plans for Rana’s role in their larger scheme of things remain to be seen.
