Meet Sarabjot Singh: India's rising star in Olympic shooting

Sarabjot Singh, India's latest Olympic medallist, initially had aspirations of becoming a footballer. At the age of 13, while studying at Bhagirath Public School in Ambala, he was captivated by the sight of children using air guns during a summer camp. This newfound fascination led him to approach his father, Jitender Singh, a farmer, and express his desire to pursue shooting—a decision that marked the beginning of his journey in the sport. Although his father initially hesitated due to the expenses involved, Sarabjot's persistence paid off, and his family ultimately supported his pursuit of shooting.

Sarabjot Singh recently made headlines at the Paris Olympics, where he won India's second medal alongside Manu Bhaker in the 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team event. The duo clinched the bronze medal by defeating the Korean team of Lee Wonoho and Oh Yeh Jin with a score of 16-10. This victory was particularly significant for Sarabjot, who had faced disappointment in the solo competition just days earlier. The young shooter admitted to feeling immense pressure to perform well, but he rose to the occasion in the mixed team event.

The bronze medal match saw a challenging start for the Indian team. Sarabjot's first shot was a disappointing 8.6, while Bhaker managed a 10.2, resulting in an initial score of 18.8. The Koreans, however, took the lead with a score of 20.5. Despite this early setback and trailing 0-2, the Indian pair showed resilience. Bhaker's consistency and Sarabjot's recovery led them to win the next four rounds, turning the score in their favor to 8-2. Bhaker's performance was notably stable, with only three shots below ten throughout the 13-round competition.

Sarabjot Singh's journey in shooting has been marked by significant achievements. He has already claimed a senior ISSF World Cup gold in the 10m air pistol event and has been crowned the national champion twice. His international success includes two World Championships gold medals, three World Cup gold medals, and numerous other accolades in ISSF Junior World Cup and Junior Cup events, as well as the Asian Championships. Sarabjot's precision and calm demeanor under pressure have been key to his success.

Sarabjot credits his coach, Abhishek Rana, for shaping him into a champion. With a strong support system and a growing list of achievements, Sarabjot Singh is poised for a bright future in the sport. His journey from a hopeful footballer to an Olympic medallist is a testament to his dedication and passion for shooting. As he continues to hone his skills, Sarabjot is set to be a prominent figure in Indian shooting, inspiring future generations of athletes.