Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships. The competition took place in the Egypt International Olympic City Range, where Singh faced off against 47 of the world’s best shooters.
With determination and skill, Ravinder turned a slow start—a score of 93 in his opening series—into a stunning comeback. He shot scores of 98, 94, 95, and, ultimately, a brilliant 96 in successive series, concluding with a total of 569 points. This impressive performance placed him ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov, who took home silver and bronze, respectively.
Singh’s victory is particularly significant as he had taken a break from training for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter. Despite this, he managed only 4 to 5 days of practice before the competition, emphasizing his focus and resilience which led to his success.
Adding to his achievement, Ravinder’s stellar performance also contributed to India winning a silver medal in the team event of the 50m Free Pistol. Partnering with shooters Kamaljeet and Yogesh Kumar, the trio amassed a collective score of 1646 points, narrowly missing the top spot by just two points.
Earlier this year, Singh earned a silver medal at the National Games, showcasing his consistent performance. Upon returning to his hometown of Bishnah, he received an overwhelming hero’s welcome. Hundreds of enthusiastic residents thronged the streets to celebrate his historic achievement.
In a heartfelt statement, Ravinder expressed gratitude for the support he received, 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.”
Locals, including former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma, praised Ravinder as a role model for the youth of the region, underscoring the significance of his victory not just for him but also for aspiring shooters across India.