Who is Sambhaji Patil? 27-year-old international shooter and World Cup gold medallist killed in tragic Palghar crash

A promising career cut short far too soon. Sambhaji Patil, a 27-year-old international shooter and former Junior World Cup gold medallist, died in a horrific road accident on the Mumbai–Ahmedabad National Highway near Manor in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The young athlete, who had represented India on the global stage, was travelling for shooting practice when tragedy struck.

His sudden death has left the shooting community and sports fraternity in shock.

Who is Sambhaji Patil?

Sambhaji Shivaji Patil was an accomplished Indian shooter known for his skill in the 25-metre standard pistol category.


A resident of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Patil made India proud at a young age. He rose to prominence after winning a gold medal at the 2016 Junior World Cup held in Azerbaijan. His performance placed him among the most promising pistol shooters in the country.

In 2017, he secured the 23rd position at the World Championship, further strengthening his international credentials.

Patil was trained by ace shooter and former Olympian Jaspal Rana, who served as his national coach. Apart from competing, he also contributed to Indian sports administration and worked as a Sports Officer at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.

How did the accident happen?

The fatal accident occurred around 10 am on Monday.

Patil was travelling from Pune to Gujarat for shooting practice in a Toyota Fortuner, driven by his friend and fellow shooter Yash Prashant Choudhary (22).

According to police officials:

• The SUV was moving at high speed
• It attempted to change lanes while overtaking
• The vehicle rammed into a heavy truck from behind

The impact was severe and completely mangled the front portion of the car.

What happened after the crash?

Patil suffered critical injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital. However, doctors declared him dead on arrival.

Choudhary sustained serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment.

Police have registered a case of accidental death at Manor police station.

A rising star gone too soon

Sambhaji Patil was widely seen as a disciplined and dedicated athlete with years of competitive shooting ahead of him. From winning international medals to mentoring young players through his role as a sports officer, he had built a reputation both on and off the field.

His death is not just a personal loss to his family, but also a setback for Indian shooting.

His last rites will be performed in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

Inputs from PTI