Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, clinched gold in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships in Egypt. He returned to a hero’s welcome in his hometown of Bishnah on Monday.
Ravinder showcased remarkable skill and composure during the competition, facing off against 47 top shooters from around the world. He started with a modest score of 93 in his initial series but quickly rebounded. His scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and an impressive 96 culminated in a total of 569 points, outpacing South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov, who secured silver and bronze.
This victory stands out even more as Ravinder had been away from training for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter, practicing only for 4–5 days in preparation for the championship. His dedication, discipline, and resilience led to this career-defining win.
Furthermore, his individual excellence contributed significantly to India’s overall performance, as he helped the nation secure a silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. Partnered with shooters Kamaljeet and Yogesh Kumar, the team earned a total of 1646 points, finishing just two points shy of South Korea’s gold.
Earlier this year, Ravinder had also earned a silver medal at the National Games, showcasing his consistent performance. Genuinely humble, he reflected on his achievement, saying, “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.”
Local leaders and residents celebrated Ravinder’s historic success. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma praised him as a role model for the youth of Jammu. Hundreds of enthusiastic residents gathered in the streets, waving flags and expressing their pride in Ravinder’s accomplishment.
Born and raised in Bishnah, Ravinder’s journey from local competitions to the international arena exemplifies the potential of Indian athletes. His story resonates with aspiring shooters and marks a significant moment for sports in Jammu and Kashmir, inspiring many to pursue excellence.
