Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, returned to his hometown of Bishnah to receive a grand welcome after clinching the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the prestigious ISSF World Championships in Egypt.
Ravinder triumphed at the event held at the Egypt International Olympic City Range, competing against 47 top shooters from around the world. He began the competition with a modest score of 93 in his first series but demonstrated extraordinary skill and determination. Ravinder staged a remarkable comeback, scoring 98, 94, 95, 93, and closing with an impressive 96, which culminated in a total of 569 points. This outstanding performance propelled him ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong (556) and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov (556), who secured silver and bronze medals, respectively.
The significance of Ravinder’s victory is amplified by the fact that he had limited preparation for the event. Having been away from training for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter, he managed just 4–5 days of practice before the championships. His discipline and unwavering focus stand as a testament to his resilience and dedication, making this victory a career-defining moment.
Not only did Ravinder achieve individual glory, but his exceptional performance also contributed to India winning a silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. Alongside teammates Kamaljeet (540) and Yogesh Kumar (537), the team totaled 1646 points, narrowly missing out on gold by just two points to South Korea.
Earlier this year, Ravinder earned a National Games silver medal, and he expressed heartfelt gratitude during his celebration, 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.”
Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma praised Ravinder as a role model for the youth of Bishnah. The streets filled with residents celebrating his historic achievement, honoring the dedication and talent that brought such pride to the region.
