ISSF electronic scoring target course begins in New Delhi

The ISSF Electronic Scoring Target Course has begun in New Delhi, bringing together 28 technical officials from India, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia. Hosted by the NRAI, the five-day programme aims to strengthen expertise in electronic scoring systems

Hyderabad: The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) Electronic Scoring Target (EST) Course commenced in New Delhi on Monday, with an aim to strengthen technical expertise and build a pool of highly skilled EST officials in shooting sports.

The five-day course, hosted by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), is being held from August 10 to 14, 2026. It is being conducted by Jadranka Strukic of Croatia, with Robert Ferencak of Slovenia and Dhiraj Kumar Singh of India assisting as instructors.

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A total of 28 participants from four countries are attending the course. Technical officials from India, Japan, South Korea and Saudi Arabia have gathered to enhance their expertise in electronic target systems and international match standards.

The opening ceremony was attended by NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh, NRAI Treasurer M.S. Bhangle and NRAI Secretary Rajiv Bhatia. They welcomed the instructors and participants and highlighted the importance of continuous technical education.

Welcoming the international delegation, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said hosting the ISSF EST Course in New Delhi was a proud moment for the NRAI.

“Technology is at the very heart of modern shooting sport. Mastering Electronic Scoring Target systems ensures that our match administration consistently meets the highest global standards,” he said.

He added that India has the largest number of ISSF judge licence holders and EST licence holders in the world, reflecting the strong pool of qualified technical officials developed by the country over the years.

Highlighting the operational importance of the course, Pawankumar Singh said an EST licence is mandatory for judges to serve on Rifle and Pistol juries at international ISSF competitions, including the World Cups and Olympic Games.

“We are implementing these exact standards in domestic events to give our officials more opportunities on the global stage,” he said.

Singh also thanked the ISSF, particularly its president Luciano Rossi, for allowing the NRAI to conduct the course in India.

With the increasing use of advanced electronic systems in global shooting competitions, the course provides participants with specialised knowledge and practical experience in handling EST systems under ISSF rules.

The programme is part of ongoing efforts by the ISSF and NRAI to promote regional knowledge-sharing and ensure competitions are conducted with maximum accuracy. The course will conclude on August 14 following formal assessments.