India is stepping into a new era in the world of sports, and one discipline that is rising rapidly in both participation and performance in sports shooting. With the solid foundation established by previous champions and growing access to world-class training facilities, India is emerging as a world center for shooting talent.
At RISE Sports School, Sangeeta Singh is an expert shooting coach, training future champions at one of the best shooting academy in Delhi NCR
In this blog, we explore the reasons behind the growing popularity of sports shooting in India, highlight the achievements of Indian shooters, and introduce you to one of the finest training centers in the country.
India’s Shooting Journey: From Unknown Talent to World Champions
The Turning Point for Indian Shooting
Sports shooting in India was not very well-known for many years, only drawing a small niche audience and some limited mainstream interest. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore won India’s first Olympic shooting medal with a silver in double trap at the 2004 Athens Olympics, marking a major turning point for the sport.
This was a big moment for Indian sports and helped make shooting a popular and well-known sport in the country. Abhinav Bindra, in 2008, went on to make history by becoming India’s first Olympic gold medalist at the Beijing Olympics, and his win significantly enhanced the popularity and feasibility of shooting as a growing sport in India. These big wins led to more investment in shooting ranges, better coaching, and more young people taking an interest in sports shooting in India.
Rising Stars and Olympic Dreams
Indian Shooters on the Global Stage
India’s shooters have since created an impressive medal tally at major international events:
Olympics
- Abhinav Bindra created history by winning India’s first individual Olympic gold in the 10m air rifle at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
- Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore’s silver in 2004 and Vijay Kumar’s in 2012 marked significant milestones in showcasing India’s rising prominence in Olympic shooting.
- Vijay Kumar took silver at the 2012 Olympics, demonstrating India’s increasing might in shooting.
- Gagan Narang clinched a bronze in the 10m air rifle at the 2012 London Olympics, adding to India’s growing achievements in Olympic shooting.
- Skilled marksmen Manu Bhaker, Swapnil Kusale, and Sarabjot Singh have also won bronze medals, reinforcing the tradition of India’s success in global shooting contests.
Indian Shooting Champions at the Commonwealth Games
Abhinav Bindra
- Won the gold medal in the 10m air rifle event at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
- He is famous for his focus and calm performance under pressure.
Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore
- Won the gold medal in double trap shooting at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games.
- Won silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
- One of India’s first shooting stars on the global stage.
Gagan Narang
- Secured four gold medals at the 2010 Commonwealth Games held in Delhi.
- Excelled in 10m air rifle individual and pairs events.
- One of India’s most successful shooters.
Heena Sidhu
- Won gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team at the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
- Won silver at the 2014 Glasgow Games.
- A leading name in pistol shooting.
Apurvi Chandela
- Won the gold medal in women’s 10m air rifle at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
- She is renowned for her consistent and accurate shooting skills.
India’s Top Shooting Achievements at the Asian Games
India has done very well at the Asian Games, shooting-wise, as many sportsmen and sportswomen have made India proud.
- Jitu Rai took home a gold medal in pistol shooting at the Asian Games, which is indicative of his talent and India’s capability in the sport. His outstanding performance established him as one of India’s top shooters.
- Promising young shooter Saurabh Chaudhary also brought home several medals, including gold in the 10m air pistol at the Asian Games.
Indian shooters have showcased exceptional talent and success at the World Shooting Championships
- Abhinav Bindra, India’s first Olympic shooting gold medalist, also clinched gold in the 10m air rifle at the World Shooting Championships, cementing his legacy in the sport.
- Gagan Narang won a number of World Championship medals in air rifle events and achieved international fame.
- Anjali Bhagwat, one of India’s best women shooters, performed well and was an inspiration for aspiring athletes
Why Is Shooting Gaining Popularity in India?
1. Government Support and Enhanced Infrastructure
The Modi government has identified shooting as one of the few Olympic sports in which India has consistently won medals. As a result, investment and infrastructure for shooting academies and ranges in India have grown significantly, boosting the sport’s development.
India has several of the world’s best rifle and pistol shooting ranges, including RISE Sports School in Noida, Delhi NCR, and the rest of India.
2. Defence Background of Shooters
Many top Indian shooters come from defense families. This background offers discipline, mental strength, and early exposure to shooting sports, giving Indian shooters an edge on the international stage.
3. Shooting as a Professional Career
With national and international recognition, sponsorships, and government rewards, shooting is now seen as a viable professional career. This has encouraged parents to support their children’s interest in the sport.
4. High Success Rate at Youth Level
India’s performance in U-12, U-18, and youth championships has been remarkable. Young athletes see a clear path from grassroots to international competitions.
RISE Sports School: Top-Rated Shooting Academy in Noida for Rifle and Pistol Training
Meet Coach Sangeeta Singh
At the forefront of this change is Coach Sangeeta Singh — a B.Tech and MBA, apart from being an NIS Qualified Shooting Coach. She holds an NSNIS and SAI Diploma in shooting sports coaching, making her one of the most well-rounded professionals in the field. Her remarkable achievements and uncompromising commitment make her one of the top coaches and an inspiration for budding shooters.
Achievements:
- Two national medals (2024)
- Two state medals
- Winner at Sports for All Championships (2023)
- Top national ranking
- 50+ medals in open shooting championships
Coaching Experience:
- 5 years of hands-on coaching
- 20+ shooters have become national players
- 15+ athletes are currently giving trials for the Indian team
- Several U-12 ‘Little Champs’ have won medals in open shooting championships
With such an impressive track record, RISE Sports School has earned its reputation as the best shooting academy in Delhi NCR.
Why RISE Sports School is the Best School for Sports Education and Excellence
World-Class Facilities
RISE Sports School provides a top-quality rifle and pistol shooting range in Delhi NCR. Facilities include 5 electronic targets, an exclusive armory room, and high-quality pistols and rifles from world-leading brands. From beginners to national team aspirants, this academy is ideal for training.
Structured Training Programmes
From beginner through to advanced level, RISE Sports School provides structured programs that emphasize:
- Technique and accuracy
- Mental toughening
- Tournament readiness
- Fitness Personalization
Personalized Coaching
With a low coach-to-student ratio, RISE Sports School offers personalized training focused on each shooter’s needs. Customized feedback and goal setting help young athletes grow faster and more efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Shooting has become a popular and rapidly growing sport in India. It’s a thriving, medal-winning focus that’s giving young athletes new hope and new goals. With the rise of dedicated institutions like RISE Sports School, guided by experts like Sangeeta Singh and supported by government initiatives to support talent in shooting sports, India is witnessing a golden age of shooting.
If you are looking to train at the Best Sports Boarding Schools in India that offers a professional platform and access to a top-tier rifle and pistol shooting range in Delhi NCR, RISE Sports School, Noida is your ultimate destination.
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