Suma Shirur Wins 'Coach of the Year (Female)' Award at Indian Sports Honors 2024

In a prestigious ceremony recognizing excellence in Indian sports, renowned Olympian and former chief coach of the Indian Shooting Contingent, Suma Shirur, was honored with the Coach of the Year (Female) award at the Indian Sports Honors 2024.

Shirur, who made history by becoming India's first woman to reach an Olympic final, has been instrumental in guiding the Indian shooting team to several success milestones, including a resurgence on the global stage. Under her mentorship, India claimed three Olympic medals, while shooters Avani Lekhara secured her second Paralympics Gold in the Women's 10m event.

The prestigious award ceremony saw Suma Shirur standing out for her relentless pursuit of excellence and dedication to promoting gender parity in Indian sports. Shirur has been a transformative leader, fostering a culture of resilience and focus among Indian athletes through her Lakshya Shooting Club, which has mentored over 200 national-level shooters.

Expressing her gratitude upon receiving the award, Suma Shirur emphasized that this honor belongs not just to herself but to every athlete and team member who worked alongside her. She committed to continuing her mission of lifting Indian shooting to new heights, with the Lakshya Shooting Club poised to continue inspiring young athletes nationwide.

The Indian Sports Honors celebration is an annual event honoring outstanding achievements in sports across 14 distinct categories. Other notable winners of the award include Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist and International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, P.T. Usha, and former World Number One shooter Anjali Bhagwat.

Shirur's achievements extend beyond her coaching success to encompass her advocacy for gender parity and grassroots development in sports. Her impact continues to inspire young athletes, coaches, and sports enthusiasts across the country