Sunny Thomas is a former Indian national shooting champion in the rifle open sight event from Kerala, India. He was the coach of Indian shooting team for 19 years from 1993 to 2012.[1] India won 108 gold, 74 silver and 53 bronze medals from various tournaments including the World Championships, Olympics and the Asian Games during his stint.[2][3] He received the Dronacharya Award in 2001.[4]
| Personal information | |
|---|---|
| National team |  India |
| Citizenship | Indian |
| Born | 26 September 1941 |
| Occupation(s) | Pistol Shooter, Professor |
| Sport | |
| Country | India |
| Sport | Rifle Shooting |
On his 80th birthday, Abhinav Bindra expressed gratitude with the following words shared through a video message “I want to thank you for the guidance and support you provided me throughout my sporting career. As a patient and understanding mentor, you kept us going, through the tough times. Thank you for being a pillar of strength and nurturing me to unfurl my fullest potential"[5]
Background
editHe was a Professor of English language in St. Stephen's College, Uzhavoor, Kottayam district and became a full-time shooting coach after his retirement. He is married to Josamma Sunny, a Professor of Botany from the same college where he had worked.[3]
References
edit- ^ "Shooting coach sunny thomas resigns after 19 years at helm". Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ "Sunny Thomas confidence personified". sportstarlive.com. Retrieved 14 November 2018.[permanent dead link]
- ^ a b "The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Sports Tribune". www.tribuneindia.com. Retrieved 23 November 2018.
- ^ "Dronacharya Award". Retrieved 14 November 2018.
- ^ Srinivasan, Kamesh (26 September 2021). "Shooting | Prof. Sunny Thomas turns 80". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 1 October 2021.
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