Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from Jammu, made an impressive mark at the ISSF World Championships in Egypt. He clinched the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event, returning to a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Bishnah.
Ravinder faced intense competition, battling against 47 top shooters from around the globe. His journey to the podium began with a modest score of 93 in the first series. However, he demonstrated remarkable skill and tenacity, later shooting scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and an outstanding 96. His total of 569 points decisively placed him above South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556), who took the silver and bronze, respectively.
Overcoming personal challenges, Ravinder’s victory becomes even more commendable considering he had been away from training for over two weeks to celebrate the birth of his daughter. In just 4–5 days of practice before the championship, his discipline and focus defined his performance.
In addition to his individual triumph, Ravinder’s skills contributed to India securing a silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. He partnered with Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537) to accumulate a total of 1646 points, narrowly missing gold by just two points.
A National Games silver medallist earlier this year, Ravinder displayed humility in his post-victory remarks, stating, “It’s not my personal achievement but for all those who stood behind me. I am thankful to my family and the Army for their support.”
The local government recognized Ravinder’s achievement, with former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma commending him as a role model for the youth of Jammu. The streets of Bishnah filled with jubilant residents celebrating his historic feat, showcasing the immense pride the community feels for his victories.
Ravinder Singh’s hard work and determination highlight the talent present in India’s shooting sports scene. His recent success at the ISSF World Championships is not just a personal win; it symbolizes India’s growing prowess in international shooting sports.
