Shirur Becomes First Indian Woman to Win Coach of the Year: Female Award

Suma Shirur, the renowned Olympian and former chief coach of the Indian Shooting team, was awarded the prestigious Coach of the Year (Female) award at the Indian Sports Honours 2024 ceremony.

In a grand celebration of excellence in Indian sports, Shirur took home the top honor for her groundbreaking achievements in coaching, which include guiding the Indian shooting team to success at the Paris Olympics and Paralympics. Under her mentorship, India's shooters claimed three Olympic medals, marking a resurgence in Indian shooting on the global stage.

Shirur, who became the first Indian woman to reach an Olympic final, was lauded for her instrumental role in promoting gender parity in Indian sports. Her dedication to mentoring the next generation of athletes has yielded impressive results, with over 200 national-level shooters benefiting from her guidance at the Lakshya Shooting Club.

The Indian Sports Honours ceremony highlighted Shirur's relentless pursuit of excellence, as she continues to inspire young athletes and coaches nationwide. The award, given by Cornerstone Sport, serves as a testament to her impact on Indian sports, which extends beyond her coaching successes.

In accepting the honor, Shirur emphasized her commitment to fostering resilience and focus among Indian athletes, stating that the award belongs to every athlete and team member who worked alongside her. Her journey has been defined by dedication, and this recognition reinforces their shared goal of lifting Indian shooting to new heights.

The esteemed jury panel, led by Abhinav Bindra, first individual Olympic gold medalist and IOC member, played a key role in selecting the award winners across 14 distinct categories at the ceremony. The event also celebrated top athletes, coaches, and teams from various sports disciplines, solidifying Shirur's position as an iconic figure in Indian sports.

Shirur's achievements beyond coaching include her tireless advocacy for grassroots development and gender parity in sports. Her contributions have not only elevated Indian shooting but have also inspired a new generation of young athletes and enthusiasts nationwide.