Kalikesh Singh Deo Elected National Rifle Association of India president

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has ushered in a new era of leadership with the election of Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo as its president. This significant event took place during a General Body meeting held at the Constitution Club on Saturday, marking a pivotal moment in the organization’s history.

Election Process and Results

The election was conducted under the supervision of Retired Chief Justice of Rajasthan High Court, Anil Dev Singh, who served as the Returning Officer, ensuring a fair and transparent process. The presidential race saw a contest between Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo and V.K. Dhall, with Kalikesh emerging victorious by a margin of 36-21 votes.

Background: The Vacancy in NRAI Leadership

End of Raninder Singh’s Tenure

The need for this election arose from the conclusion of Raninder Singh’s long-standing tenure as NRAI president. Raninder had held the position since 2010, overseeing the organization for over a decade. However, his continued presidency became untenable due to recent regulatory changes.

Sports Ministry Directive

In a significant development last year, the Sports Ministry issued a directive stipulating that heads of national sports federations (NSFs) cannot hold office for more than 12 years, as per the National Sports Code (NSC). This ruling directly impacted Raninder Singh’s position, as he had completed his 12-year term from December 29, 2010, to December 29, 2022.

Transition Period

Following Raninder’s stepping down in April of the previous year, the NRAI was temporarily led by its senior vice-president, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, in a caretaker capacity. This interim period set the stage for the recent election.

Kalikesh’s Interim Leadership and Achievements

Olympic Success

During Kalikesh’s tenure as the caretaker head of the federation, Indian shooting saw a resurgence on the international stage. Notably, India secured three bronze medals at the Paris Olympics, breaking a medal drought that had persisted since the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Immediate Challenges and Future Prospects

Hosting the World Cup Finals

One of the immediate tasks facing the newly elected president and the NRAI leadership is the organization of the World Cup Finals. This prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Dr. Karni Singh Range in Tughlakabad from October 13 to 18, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity for the new administration to showcase its organizational capabilities.

Term Duration

Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo’s term as NRAI president is set to continue until 2025, when the next NRAI general body meeting is scheduled. This period will be crucial for implementing new strategies and building upon the recent successes in international competitions.