India Mourns the Loss of Shooting Legend Sunny Thomas
A Life Dedicated to Indian Shooting
The world of Indian sports is in mourning today as Sunny Thomas, the legendary shooting coach who guided India to unprecedented success on the global stage, passed away at the age of 83.
Thomas, a Dronacharya awardee, breathed his last at his residence in Uzhavoor, Kottayam, on Wednesday morning. According to his son Manoj, he suffered a cardiac arrest after complaining of dizziness.
Known for his patience, vision, and humility, Thomas’s influence on Indian shooting is undeniable. His tenure as the national coach from 1993 to 2012 saw India win a remarkable 108 gold, 74 silver, and 53 bronze medals across major events like the Olympics, World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games.
A Champion’s Journey
Born in Thidanad, Kottayam district, Kerala, Thomas was a champion shooter himself, winning the national championship in the Rifle 3 Position Open Sight event in 1976. He began his association with shooting at the Kottayam Rifle Club in 1965 and later transitioned into full-time coaching after retiring as an English professor from St Stephen’s College, Uzhavoor.
He was not only a brilliant coach but also a respected figure in the shooting community. Cherian K Kalarickal, Secretary of the Kottayam Rifle Association, described him as “the most elite member” of their association.
The Architect of India’s Shooting Success
Thomas’s coaching career coincided with India’s emergence as a shooting powerhouse. He was the mastermind behind several historic achievements, including:
- Major Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics
- Abhinav Bindra’s historic gold medal at Beijing 2008, India’s first-ever individual Olympic gold
- Vijay Kumar’s silver and Gagan Narang’s bronze at the London 2012 Olympics
Abhinav Bindra, in a video message on Thomas’s 80th birthday, expressed his gratitude to his coach, saying, “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.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Sunny Thomas’s unwavering dedication to Indian shooting has left an indelible mark on the sport. He will be remembered as a visionary coach, a mentor to generations of shooters, and a true legend of Indian sports.
He is survived by his wife, Prof K J Josamma, and their three children—Manoj Sunny, Sanil Sunny, both former state-level shooting champions, and daughter Sonia Sunny.
