Suma Shirur Honored as Coach of the Year for Transforming Indian Shooting

Suma Shirur, a former Olympian and chief coach of the Indian Shooting Team, was awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year award at the Indian Sports Honours 2024. Her pivotal role in nurturing Indian shooters to international success, especially at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, underscores her commitment to sports excellence.

In a momentous recognition, Suma Shirur, a former Olympian and the chief coach of the Indian Shooting Team, received the Coach of the Year (Female) award at the Indian Sports Honours 2024, held on Monday. The event, a gathering of India's foremost athletes and sports figures, highlighted Shirur's unwavering dedication to sports excellence.

Shirur's leadership led to a revival in Indian shooting, with the team securing three Olympic medals under her guidance. Her influence was notably impactful in Avani Lekhara's second Paralympics Gold in the Women's 10m event, further establishing Shirur as a coach synonymous with athlete development.

While accepting the accolade, Shirur acknowledged her team's crucial role, remarking, "This honour is not just mine but belongs to every athlete and team member who worked alongside me. Our journey was defined by dedication, and this award reinforces our shared goal of lifting Indian shooting to new heights."

The Indian Sports Honours, celebrating exceptional sports achievements, highlighted Shirur's commitment to gender parity and grassroots development through her Lakshya Shooting Club. Her efforts have nurtured over 200 national-level shooters, fostering a new wave of talent in Indian sports.

Led by a distinguished jury that included IOC member Abhinav Bindra, PT Usha, Vijender Singh, Yogeshwar Dutt, and Sardar Singh, the awards serve as a testament to Shirur's profound impact on the Indian sports landscape.

(With inputs from agencies.)