In a significant loss to Indian sports, former national shooting coach and Dronacharya Awardee Prof. Sunny Thomas passed away on April 30, 2025, at the age of 83 in Uzhavoor, Kottayam district, Kerala. His contributions to Indian shooting have left an indelible mark, making this an important topic for aspirants preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and other government recruitment tests.
Prof. Sunny Thomas, a retired English professor from St. Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor, served as India’s national shooting coach from 1993 to 2012. During his tenure, Indian shooting witnessed a golden era, transforming the nation into a global powerhouse in the sport. He was instrumental in mentoring several Olympic medalists, including:
- Abhinav Bindra: India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist (2008 Beijing Olympics, 10m Air Rifle).
- Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore: Silver medalist (2004 Athens Olympics, Double Trap).
- Vijay Kumar: Silver medalist (2012 London Olympics, 25m Rapid Fire Pistol).
- Gagan Narang: Bronze medalist (2012 London Olympics, 10m Air Rifle).
Under Prof. Thomas’s guidance, Indian shooters secured 108 gold, 74 silver, and 53 bronze medals across various international tournaments, including the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. His tenure saw:
- 29 medals at the Asian Games.
- 95 medals at the Commonwealth Games.
He was honored with the Dronacharya Award in 2001, the highest coaching honor in India, recognizing his exceptional contribution to sports. Prof. Thomas was not only a coach but also a mentor and father figure, as noted by Abhinav Bindra, who credited him for laying the foundation for India’s rise in international shooting.
A national champion in the Rifle Open Sight event in 1976, Prof. Thomas began his shooting journey at the Kottayam Rifle Club. After retiring from academics, he dedicated himself to coaching, bringing discipline and transparency to the sport. He is survived by his wife, Prof. K.J. Josamma, and their three children—Manoj Sunny, Sanil Sunny, and Sonia Sunny.
This topic is crucial for the General Awareness section of competitive exams. Questions may focus on:
- Prof. Sunny Thomas’s role in Indian shooting.
- Dronacharya Award and its significance.
- Olympic medalists mentored by him.
- India’s achievements in shooting during 1993–2012.
Aspirants should also note the broader context of Indian sports, including recent performances in the Olympics and the role of coaching in nation-building.