Olympic Star Gagan Narang Challenges for NRAI Presidency
Olympic medallist Gagan Narang will contest against incumbent Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo for the presidency of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). Elections are scheduled for December 4 in Mohali.
Key Leadership Contests
President: Gagan Narang vs Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo (incumbent)
Treasurer: Ashok Mittal vs Meghasham Shripad Bhangle
Secretary General: Pawan Kumar Singh set to be elected unopposed
Election Timeline
- Nomination withdrawal deadline: November 27
- Final list publication: November 28
- Election date: December 4 in Mohali
Kalikesh Singh Deo, a BJD MLA from Bolangir, has led NRAI since 2024 after Raninder Singh completed his 12-year term limit. Narang’s presidential bid comes as a surprise since his name wasn’t widely speculated for the top post.
Pawan Kumar Singh, a former rifle shooter and coach currently serving as joint secretary, is poised to become secretary general uncontested. Singh also serves on the ISSF Judges Committee and officiated at the Tokyo and Paris Olympics.
An NRAI official noted, “It remains to be seen whether he will fight for the president’s post though,” referring to Narang who has also filed for vice-president.
The elections will determine the 11-member executive committee and 25 governing body members for the 2025-2029 term. The executive committee includes president, secretary general, treasurer, two vice-presidents, two joint secretaries, and four executive committee members.
