India’s Shooting Star Dims Ace shooting coach Sunny Thomas dies at 83

Kottayam

Legendary shooting coach and Dronacharya awardee Sunny Thomas passed away at his home on Wednesday following a cardiac arrest. He was 83. Despite his age, Thomas remained active in the shooting community and attended a local rifle association meeting just last month.

He was rushed for medical help after feeling unwell at home, but passed away before reaching the hospital. His last rites will take place today (Thursday).

A former English professor, Thomas turned to shooting after retirement and became a national rifle champion. He began coaching the Indian shooting team in 1993 and served until 2012. Under his leadership, India won 108 gold, 74 silver, and 53 bronze medals in top global events, including the Olympics, Asian Games, and World Championships.

He was awarded the Dronacharya Award in 2001 for his exceptional coaching. He trained several of India’s shooting legends, including Abhinav Bindra—India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist—as well as Olympic medallists Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Vijay Kumar, and Gagan Narang.

His contribution to the sport led to 29 medals in the Asian Games and 95 in the Commonwealth Games. His two sons also competed as state-level shooters.

Leader of Opposition V.D. Satheesan expressed grief over Thomas’ death, calling it a big loss to Indian sports. He praised Thomas’s lifelong dedication and the many international victories India earned under his guidance.

Thomas’s death leaves a deep void in Indian shooting and coaching.