New Delhi, August 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has congratulated shooters Akhil Sheoran, Dhanush Srikanth and Rudransh Khandelwal on receiving the Arjuna Award, while coach Neha Nandkumar Chavan has been honoured with the Dronacharya Award as part of the National Sports Awards 2025.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announced the National Sports Awards on August 18, recognising achievements and contributions across Indian sport. Sheoran was recognised for shooting, Srikanth for Deaf Shooting and Khandelwal for Para-Shooting, while Chavan received the Dronacharya Award for her contribution as a coach.
Sheoran, a leading Indian rifle shooter, has been a regular member of the national setup in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event. He is part of the NRAI’s 2026 National Squad and finished first in the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event at Selection Trial 3 earlier this year.
Srikanth, the world No. 1 shooter in the deaf category, produced a historic performance at the 25th Summer Deaflympics in Tokyo last winter, winning India’s first-ever shooting gold at the Games. He claimed the 10m Air Rifle title with a final score of 252.2, setting a new deaf category world record and improving his previous mark of 251.7. He had also established a new Deaflympics qualification record before reaching the final.
Srikanth’s gold was accompanied by a silver medal for fellow Indian Mohammed Murtaza Vania, who scored 250.1.
Khandelwal, a leading para shooter competing in pistol events in the SH1 classification, has represented India at the Asian Para Games, World Shooting Para Sport World Cups, World Championships and the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. His international record includes multiple World Shooting Para Sport medals, including golds.
Chavan’s Dronacharya Award recognises her contribution to shooting as a coach and her role in helping athletes compete successfully at the highest level.
NRAI President Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo said the honours were a matter of “immense pride” for the shooting fraternity and praised the four awardees for their determination, discipline and perseverance. He also acknowledged the contribution of coaches, families and support systems behind their achievements.
NRAI Secretary General Pawankumar Singh described the National Sports Awards as among the highest honours in Indian sport and said the recognition of four members of the shooting fraternity was a proud moment for the association and the wider shooting community.
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