Suma Shirur Receives SJAM Lifetime Achievement Award For Contributions To Indian Shooting

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On World Sports Journalists Day (July 2), Suma Shirur, an Olympian and former chief coach of the Indian Shooting team, was honoured with the SJAM Lifetime Achievement Award 2025.

The award ceremony took place at Bombay Gymkhana, where she shared the stage with fellow shooting icons Deepali Deshpande and Anjali Bhagwat. This recognition highlights her significant contributions to Indian shooting.

The SJAM Lifetime Achievement Award is a highly respected accolade within the sports journalist community. In 2016, it was awarded to cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar. Suma Shirur's inclusion in this elite group underscores her remarkable achievements in the world of sports.

Commitment to Excellence

Suma Shirur's journey in shooting is marked by relentless dedication and pursuit of excellence. She became the second Indian woman shooter to reach an Olympic final. Her leadership as a coach led the Indian shooting team to success at both the Paris Olympics and Paralympics.

During her acceptance speech, Suma expressed gratitude to the Sports Journalists' Association of Mumbai for recognising her efforts. She stated, "I extend my sincere gratitude to the Sports Journalists' Association of Mumbai for considering me for this prestigious award.

"It is truly an honour to receive it alongside my esteemed friends from the shooting fraternity. This award serves as a meaningful encouragement in my continued efforts to contribute to the development and advancement of shooting sports in India."

Advocacy and Mentorship

Beyond coaching, Suma Shirur is a strong advocate for gender equity and grassroots sports engagement. Through Lakshya Shooting Club, she has mentored over 200 national-level athletes. Notable names include Tokyo and Paris Paralympic gold medalist Avni Lekhara and junior world champion Parth.

Suma's dedication extends beyond coaching achievements. Her work with athletes like World Championship medalist Kiran Jadhav and Youth Olympic medalist Shahu Mane showcases her commitment to nurturing talent at all levels.

Acknowledged Contributions

In recognition of her outstanding contributions, Suma received the Best Coach of the Year (Female) award at the Indian Sports Honours 2024. Her influence on Indian shooting continues to inspire future generations.

The recognition from SJAM not only celebrates Suma Shirur's past achievements but also encourages her ongoing efforts in advancing shooting sports in India. Her legacy as a pioneer in Indian shooting remains impactful.