Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, won gold in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships in Egypt. He received a grand welcome in his hometown of Bishnah after his stellar performance against 47 top shooters.
Ravinder showcased remarkable skill and composure throughout the competition. Starting with a modest score of 93 in his first series, he made a staggering comeback, shooting scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and a brilliant 96. His total score of 569 points secured him the top position, outpacing South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556), who took home silver and bronze.
The significance of Ravinder’s victory magnifies because he trained for merely 4–5 days before the championship, having been sidelined for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter. His dedication, discipline, and focus culminated in this career-defining moment.
Ravinder’s individual excellence also contributed to India grabbing a silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. Partnered with Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537), the team finished with a total of 1646 points, just two points behind South Korea’s gold-winning score.
This year, Ravinder had gained national attention as a National Games silver medalist. Expressing his gratitude after the win, 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.”
Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma described Ravinder as a role model for young athletes. His homecoming celebration saw hundreds of residents pour into the streets, proudly honoring his historic achievement.
