Naib Subedar Ravinder Singh, a 29-year-old ace shooter from the Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU), Mhow, made headlines when he clinched the gold medal in the Men’s 50m Free Pistol event at the ISSF World Championships held at the Egypt International Olympic City Range. The event took place on October 4, 2023, and his remarkable victory has brought immense pride to his hometown Bishnah.
Competing against 47 top shooters from across the globe, Ravinder displayed extraordinary skill and composure under pressure. He began the competition with a modest score of 93 in his initial series but quickly turned things around. He shot impressive scores of 98, 94, 95, 93, finishing with a remarkable final series score of 96 and accumulating a total of 569 points.
His stellar performance placed him ahead of South Korea’s Kim Cheongyong, who finished with 556 points, taking home the silver medal. The bronze went to Individual Neutral Athlete Anton Aristarkhov, who also scored 556 points.
Ravinder’s victory is even more commendable given the circumstances he faced leading up to the championship. Having been away from training for over two weeks due to the birth of his daughter, he managed to practice for only 4–5 days ahead of the competition. His discipline, focus, and resilience culminated in this career-defining moment.
In addition to his individual gold medal, Ravinder’s performance also significantly contributed to India’s success in the team events. He, along with teammates Kamaljeet and Yogesh Kumar, secured a silver medal in the 50m Free Pistol team event. The trio finished with a total score of 1646 points, just two points shy of South Korea’s gold medal-winning score.
Earlier this year, Ravinder had already marked his presence in national shooting sports by winning a silver medal at the National Games. Upon returning to his hometown, he received a grand welcome from thousands of well-wishers, celebrating his historic achievement. Ravinder expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he received throughout his journey. He said, “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.”
Local leaders also praised Ravinder’s accomplishment. Former MLA Ashwani Kumar Sharma commended him as a role model for the youth, emphasizing the importance of dedication and hard work. The community in Bishnah poured into the streets to celebrate, showcasing their pride in Ravinder’s victory.
His journey, from practicing in challenging circumstances to standing tall on the international stage, inspires countless aspiring athletes. His dedication exemplifies the spirit of perseverance, making a significant impact on India’s shooting sports.
