Hyderabad shooting mentor Niranjan Reddy gets ISSF License A

Hyderabad shooting mentor Niranjan Reddy, who trained Olympian Gagan Narang and Deaflympics star Dhanush Srikanth, has earned the prestigious ISSF License A certificate in Doha, making him one of only 10 worldwide to achieve this milestone

Hyderabad: For Niranjan Reddy, one of the best-known mentors in shooting from the city, whose beneficiaries include 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist Gagan Narang and Deaflympics double gold medallist Dhanush Srikanth, it was a truly “unforgettable” moment when he earned the prestigious ISSF License A certificate in Doha.

The 66-year-old Niranjan, a retired officer in the Telangana Road Transport Authority, is known for being a stickler for rules and discipline with a no-nonsense approach and, more importantly, never tried to ‘market’ himself.

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“Yes, I feel proud that I am one among the 10 in the world to get this ISSF certificate in the examination which is conducted in three different categories – for players, jury and coaches education,” Niranjan Reddy told Telangana Today.

“This License, for which you have to move step by step from License D, C, B to License A, essentially means that I have qualified to train at the Olympic Podium,” said a visibly pleased Niranjan.

“With the ISSF insisting that any national team going for any international event should be accompanied by certified coaches, we expect to get decent exposure and better opportunities,” he said.

However, since Niranjan is mentoring his son Sandesh Reddy, who is a World Cup silver medallist in the para category aiming for the next Paralympics, he might not be able to travel out of Hyderabad frequently because of family commitments.

“Well, I have been a three-time national medallist in my air pistol event and I want to focus on that only in coaching the shooters,” he said.

Interestingly, Niranjan won a medal despite being the organising secretary for the 2002 National Games in Hyderabad and has been winning medals in regular categories (not veterans) in the State championships for the last 25 years.

“As someone who is in touch with the sport in testing conditions, I know what it takes to be a champion shooter and that should help me in discharging my duties more successfully,” Niranjan said.

“Hope to leave an indelible impression after my latest achievement for sure,” signed off one of the most respected officials in the shooting fraternity.