Former Indian shooter Shimon Sharif has always been looking for innovative ideas to develop Indian shooting.
During the Covid-19, when it became difficult to travel, Sharif’s International Online Shooting Championship came as a rescue for the shooters who are obsessed with discipline. It was a month-long Online Shooting League, becoming the World’s first online league in an Olympic sports.
Fiver years from there on, Sharif is keen on educating the Indian shooters with the programs available at the ISSF Academy.
So how did Sharif crack the deal? Olympic First has a comprehensive look in this article.
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What is the ISSF Academy and how does it operate?
The ISSF Academy is the premier coaching platform officially recognized by the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF). Its mission is to support the developmental needs of shooting sport athletes at all proficiency levels while enhancing global coaching standards. By fostering both knowledge and skills, the Academy aims to shape the future of Olympic shooting sport.
Four Levels of Coaching Qualifications
The Academy offers a structured pathway with four distinct levels of coaching qualifications:
- D Course: Foundational Level
- C Course: Intermediate Level
- B Course: Advanced Level (Commencing September 2025)
- A Course: Elite Level (Launching alongside the 2025 ISSF World Cup Finals)
Currently, the Academy has successfully delivered D and C-level courses. The upcoming B and A courses will be accessible exclusively through Member Federations and will require prior qualifications and active coaching experience.
How does ISSF Academy help in developing an Olympian?
The ISSF Academy focuses on the development of coaches, as effective coaching is crucial in an Olympian’s growth. Coaches trained by the ISSF Academy are equipped with the latest strategies, training techniques, and technologies to guide athletes efficiently toward their Olympic goals..
Tell us a bit more about your partnership with ISSF Academy. How long did it take to make the deal? How did the deal happen and more such.
My partnership with the ISSF Academy focuses on promoting shooting sport coaching education in India.
After receiving a signed letter of partnership from the ISSF Academy on the 10th of February, I’ve been actively promoting their internationally recognized coaching courses through our shooting website, indianshooting.com, and its social media platforms.
Since then, I’ve connected with a growing number of passionate coaches across the country who are eager to enroll in these courses.
Their enthusiasm reflects a strong commitment to improving shooting standards in India, and I believe these coaching courses will play a pivotal role in their development and in shaping the future of Indian shooting on the world stage.
I had the opportunity to meet Karoliina Nissinen, the Head of Administration at the ISSF Academy, during the ISSF World Cup Final in Delhi last year.
During our meeting, I pitched the idea of a collaboration to promote the ISSF Academy in India, with the goal of raising coaching standards in the country.
Since the partnership was formalized, I’m excited to continue working with the ISSF Academy to elevate coaching standards in India. Additionally, I have been suggesting new ideas to the ISSF Academy, and I am hopeful they will look into them soon.
You’re one of the top most coaches in India. How long do you think it will take for India to guarantee one gold in shooting in every Olympic Games.
Thank you for the compliment! It’s always a pleasure to contribute to the development of shooting sport in India.
As for guaranteeing a gold medal in every Olympic Games, that’s an ambitious yet exciting goal. India has shown tremendous potential in shooting sport with athletes like Rajyavardhan Rathore, Abhinav Bindra, Vijay Kumar, Gagan Narang, and more recently, Manu Bhaker and Swapnil Kusale and Sarabjot Singh, proving the country’s ability to compete at the highest level.
However, achieving this goal requires consistent, long-term efforts. It starts with identifying and nurturing talent from a young age, ensuring that shooters have access to world-class facilities and equipment, and building a culture of mental resilience to handle the immense pressure of Olympic competition.
Exposure to international competitions also plays a vital role in helping shooters adapt to the intensity of the Games and learn from the best.
If India continues to invest in developing young talent, improving infrastructure, and providing comprehensive training, I believe it’s possible to see India consistently perform at a high level and potentially guarantee a gold in every Olympic Games in the next 10-12 years.
It will require time, but the foundation is being built, and steady improvements are already being seen in recent Olympic performances. Ultimately, guaranteeing a gold in every Olympics will need a sustained commitment to excellence across all areas of the sport.