Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a talented shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) in Mhow, captured the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships held in Egypt. This remarkable achievement occurred on October 18, 2023, as Ravinder triumphed over 47 of the world’s elite shooters at the Egypt International Olympic City Range.
Ravinder started the competition with a score of 93 in his first series, but he quickly regained his composure. He fired back-to-back scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, and capped it off with a brilliant 96. His total of 569 points secured him the top position, ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong, who finished with 556 points, and Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov, also at 556 points, who took bronze.
Ravinder’s victory holds extra significance considering he had just welcomed the birth of his daughter, which meant he had to pause his training for over two weeks. Cramming just 4–5 days of practice prior to the championship, his extraordinary discipline and ability to perform under pressure stood out in the competition.
His talent not only shone in individual events but also contributed to India’s overall performance, earning a silver medal in the team event for the 50m Free Pistol. Together with teammates Kamaljeet, who scored 540 points, and Yogesh Kumar, at 537 points, the team finished with a total of 1646 points, only two points away from South Korea’s gold-winning team.
Earlier this year, Ravinder also secured a silver medal at the National Games. With unwavering humility, he expressed, “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 his victory with tremendous enthusiasm. Crowds filled the streets to honor Ravinder, expressing their pride. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma commended him as a role model for the youth of the region, emphasizing the inspiration his dedication offers.
As Ravinder Singh returns to India with his gold medal, his story reminds aspiring shooters that hard work, dedication, and resilience pave the way for success. His achievements not only enhance India’s reputation in the sport but also inspire countless others to pursue their dreams in shooting sports.