Former Odisha Parliament Member Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo today took charge as the president of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). The decision to the hand over the charge to Senior Vice-President Singh Deo was unanimously taken by the Governing Body of the NRAI  following the long leave of absence tendered by its President, Raninder Singh.

The Sports Ministry had issued a directive that heads of national sports federations can not hold office for more than 12 years as per National Sports Code, following which Raninder, who was re-elected as NRAI president in September 2021, went on leave.

The Ministry had pointed out last month that Raninder had completed 12 years as president _ from 29 December 2010 to 29 December 2022 _ and per the code he can not continue as NRAI president any further.

The NRAI said in press release that in an emergent virtual meeting today, its Governing Body unanimously approved Singh Deo as the president as per Rule 19 of the Rules and Regulations in the NRAI constitution.

“The matter of election of Raninder and tenure continues to remain sub-judice in the Delhi High Courts. The virtual emergent meeting of the Governing Body was attended by 29 of the 35 members and was concluded in approximately 40 minutes,” the release mentioned.

Accepting his responsibilities Singh Deo said, “I humbly accept the responsibility bestowed upon me by the Governing Body and the trust shown upon me by the President. Our immediate priorities lie in putting our best foot forward for important upcoming events like the Asian Games and the World Championships.

The team at NRAI and myself will look to work very closely with the Government of India, the Sports Ministry, the Sports Authority of India and all other key stakeholders, to ensure our sport brings greater laurels for the country going forward.”

A former India shooter and basketball player, Singh Deo was a Biju Janata Dal (BJD) Lok Sabha MP from Balangir from 16 May 2009 to 23 May 2019. He is the son of former Odisha minister Ananga Udaya Singh Deo and grand son of former Odisha Chief Minister Rajendra Narayan Singh Deo.

Fourty-eight year old Kalikesh Singh Deo is also functioning as the patron of Odisha Rifle Association. Prior to becoming an MP, he was the youngest member of the Odisha Legislative Assembly from Saintala constituency.