ISSF, shooting’s governing body, has created its flagship academies, around the world, to formulate coaching and prepare the athlete under a diverse program for the Olympic Games.
The one-year-old model has brought coaches from different nations under an umbrella, to share diverse coaching methods, to improve sports shooting coaching around the world.
“ISSF Academy plays a key role in developing coaching education worldwide, ensuring that coaches—whether in India, Finland, or any other country—have access to the same high-quality training, modern methodologies, and international networks,” Karoliina Nissinen, head of administration at ISSF Academy, told the OlympicFirst in an interview.
“India has demonstrated remarkable progress in shooting sports development, and ISSF Academy aims to further strengthen this progress by promoting international cooperation. This enables coaches from different nations to share knowledge, learn from one another, and apply the latest coaching techniques, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of shooting sports coaching worldwide. By continuously evolving and expanding its programs, ISSF Academy is shaping the next generation of world-class shooting coaches and athletes,” she added.
So what is the ISSF Academy all about and which courses are on offer? Olympic First finds out in this comprehensively insightful interview.
1. What is ISSF Academy and how does it operate?
ISSF Academy is the official educational organization of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF), offering comprehensive education for shooting sports. It provides education through online courses, in-person training, hybrid courses, and seminars.
The coaching education is structured into four levels:
• D-Level – An entry-level course focused on Olympic shooting techniques for coaches. Available primarily online but also in-person in collaboration with national federations.
• C-Level – A national-level course with an emphasis on sports science, offered mainly online.
• B-Level – An advanced hybrid course that combines online training with a five-day in-person session, designed for professional coaching development.
• A-Level – The highest-level hybrid course, where the first part is completed online, and the second part takes place as an in-person session at the World Cup Finals in December 2025.
In addition, ISSF Academy introduced digital coaching licenses in 2025, which must be renewed periodically through continuing education programs.
2. In which countries does ISSF Academy operate, and what are its expansion plans?
ISSF Academy operates globally, offering training online through ISSF Academy learning platform and in-person courses in cooperation with national and continental federations.
• D- and C-Level courses are mainly conducted online but are also organized as in-person training in different countries.
• B-Level courses will be introduced in 2025 as hybrid programs, combining online learning with a one-week in-person session. The first B-Level course will take place in Finland in September 2025.
• A-Level courses include an online component, followed by in-person training at the World Cup Final in December 2025.
ISSF Academy is continuously expanding its course offerings to reach new audiences.
The next new courses will be on the following topics:
• Sports Management Course, designed to develop management and leadership skills in shooting sports at national and international levels.
• Para-shooting coaching programs, launching in late 2025.
• The WISE (Women in Shooting Sport Education) Program, launching in May 2025, aimed at supporting female coaches and athletes through education and mentorship.
3. How does ISSF Academy help in developing an Olympian?
ISSF Academy helps athletes reach the Olympic level by providing high-quality coaching education, equipping coaches with the latest knowledge and tools to develop world-class shooters.
• Structured Coaching Education – The four certification levels (D, C, B, and A) ensure that coaches are trained in the most current and effective coaching techniques.
• Integration of Sports Science – Courses cover biomechanics, sports psychology, and nutrition, helping athletes enhance their physical and mental preparation.
• International Networking – The Academy connects coaches and athletes worldwide, allowing them to exchange knowledge, learn new techniques, and refine training strategies.
4. How would you evaluate Indian coaches from an administrative perspective? What areas need improvement?
India has rapidly developed into a global powerhouse in shooting sports, and its coaches are highly committed and motivated. The country has invested significantly in sports development, leading to improved coaching systems and infrastructure.
5. How does ISSF Academy in India compare to other ISSF academies in terms of technology, operations, and equipment?
Currently, ISSF Academy does not have accredited academies in any country. The reason for this is that ISSF Academy operates as a global educational organization rather than a physical training center.
Instead of establishing fixed academies, ISSF Academy collaborates with national federations and regional organizations to provide standardized and high-quality coaching education worldwide.
This approach ensures that all coaches, regardless of location, receive the same level of training and certification, promoting equal opportunities in shooting sports coaching.
ISSF Academy’s primary goal is to standardize coaching education worldwide, ensuring that all training leading to certification meets high international quality standards. Regardless of location, ISSF Academy maintains a consistent curriculum and coaching methodology across all its programs.
In many countries, national coaching education programs are already well-established, while in others, coaching education is underdeveloped or nonexistent. ISSF Academy seeks to bridge these gaps by offering high-quality training to all coaches worldwide, providing them with equal opportunities for professional development.
India’s Strengths:
• India has heavily invested in sports and shooting sports development, resulting in high-quality shooting academies and increasing resources for coaching and training.
• Indian coaches and athletes are highly motivated, disciplined, and eager to learn, making India one of the fastest-growing nations in international shooting sports.
Challenges in India:
• Despite having world-class facilities, resource distribution remains uneven across different regions, creating disparities in training opportunities.
• Continued investment in international-level coaching education is needed to ensure Indian coaches remain competitive globally.