Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a talented 29-year-old shooter from Mhow’s Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), secured a gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships. Held at the Egypt International Olympic City Range, this event gathered some of the world’s best marksmen, but it was Ravinder’s skill that shone through.
Facing off against 47 elite shooters, Ravinder started with a score of 93, but quickly staged a spectacular comeback. He achieved scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and concluded with a striking 96, accumulating a total of 569 points. This performance not only led him to gold but also placed him well ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556), who earned silver and bronze, respectively.
Ravinder’s victory is remarkable considering he had been away from training for over two weeks following the birth of his daughter. Despite only managing 4-5 days of practice before the championship, his discipline and commitment resulted in this career-defining win.
Moreover, Ravinder’s individual brilliance contributed significantly to India’s overall success. He played a key role in securing a silver medal in the team event for the 50m Free Pistol, combining with teammates Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537) to achieve a total score of 1646 points, just two points shy of South Korea’s gold-winning score.
The weight of such achievement did not escape him, as Ravinder expressed profound gratitude. He stated, “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.”
His accomplishments have not only brought honor to his name but also made a significant impact on his hometown. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma praised Ravinder as a role model for the youth, urging them to take inspiration from his hard work and dedication.
Upon his return to Bishnah, crowds of enthusiastic residents flooded the streets to celebrate Ravinder’s historic victory. His journey from a local talent to an international champion highlights the potential of Indian shooters on the global stage.
Ravinder’s story exemplifies the spirit and determination that defines Indian sports. His achievement at the ISSF World Championships adds to India’s growing reputation in shooting sports, paving the way for aspiring athletes to dream big and aim high.
