Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, secured the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships. This prestigious event took place at the Egypt International Olympic City Range, showcasing top-tier talent from around the globe.
Ravinder triumphed amidst 47 top shooters, demonstrating remarkable skill and composure. After starting with a modest score of 93 in his initial series, he made a stunning comeback by shooting scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and a final series of 96. His total of 569 points ultimately secured him first place, outpacing South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556), who finished with silver and bronze.
This victory is particularly significant as Ravinder returned to the sport after being away from training for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter. He managed only 4–5 days of practice prior to the championship, yet his discipline and focus paid off, leading to a career-defining moment.
In addition to his individual victory, Ravinder’s exceptional performance contributed to India’s silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. Partnering with Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537), the team amassed a total of 1646 points—just two points shy of South Korea’s gold-winning score.
Earlier this year, Ravinder also earned a silver medal at the National Games, further cementing his status as an outstanding shooter.
Expressing his gratitude, Ravinder 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.”
The local community in Bishnah celebrated Ravinder’s remarkable accomplishment with enthusiasm. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma praised him as a role model for the youth. The celebrations saw hundreds of residents take to the streets, proudly honoring their champion shooter.
Ravinder Singh’s gold medal win not only highlights his individual talent but also reinforces India’s growing presence in international shooting sports. His dedication serves as inspiration for aspiring athletes across the nation.
