India's first national shooting coach Sunny Thomas has put down his papers and will no longer be serving as a coach but then would stay actively involved with the sport.
"I have informed the National Rifles Association of India about my decision, but I will stay connected with shooting. It's part of my blood, I can't leave it altogether," said Thomas, who was appointed in 1993. This is not the first time Thomas, 70, has tendered his resignation, though. "I have resigned four times but I have told the NRAI very clearly that this time it's final," Thomas was quoted by The TOI.
"It's been 19 years and it's not correct to hold on to the job for such a long time. I think it's also the right time. India has won four medals in shooting in three consecutive Olympics, no other sport has achieved it,” he added.
Meanwhile a report in The Indian Express writes that even though Thomas resigned from the post, it is understood that the decision was made for him as National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) administrators were not keen on continuation of the post.
The report also states that there will be replacements as they are already have enough number of foreign and Indian coaches.
And as for Thomas, he will continue serving the NRAI in the capacity of vice president.