Jammu’s Ravinder Singh Wins Gold at ISSF World Championships

Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, clinched the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships. The championship took place at the Egypt International Olympic City Range, marking a significant victory for India. Upon his return to his hometown of Bishnah, Ravinder received a grand welcome from family, friends, and local residents.

Competing against 47 top shooters from around the globe, Ravinder displayed remarkable skill and composure throughout the event. He started with a modest score of 93 in his first series but showed tenacity, improving his performance with scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and a stellar 96. This brought his total to an impressive 569 points, placing him ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) who secured silver and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556) who took bronze.

The fact that Ravinder triumphed after a break from training is remarkable. He had to pause his practice for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter. With only 4–5 days of training before the championship, Ravinder showcased outstanding discipline, focus, and resilience, culminating in a career-defining victory.

His success contributed significantly to India’s performance in the championships, as he played a key role in securing a silver medal for the Indian team in the 50m Free Pistol event. Teaming up with Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537), they achieved a combined score of 1646 points, narrowly missing gold by just two points.

Earlier this year, Ravinder also earned a silver medal at the National Games, showcasing his consistent performance in the sport. After his victory, he expressed heartfelt gratitude, 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.”

Community celebration followed upon Ravinder’s arrival home. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma hailed him as a role model for the youth, emphasizing his discipline and commitment. Hundreds of enthusiastic residents filled the streets to celebrate this historic achievement, underlining how sports continues to unite and inspire.

Ravinder Singh’s historic gold medal win not only highlights his individual excellence but also enhances India’s reputation in shooting sports on the world stage. His journey from Bishnah to a world champion is a testament to the spirit and motivation of aspiring athletes.