India’s para shooting team has made a strong statement at the Changwon 2025 WSPS World Cup in South Korea, with Amir Ahmad Bhat clinching the country’s first gold medal in the P3 Mixed 25m Pistol event. Bhat, a 30-year-old armyman-turned-marksman, edged out his compatriot Nihal Singh, who settled for silver in the thrilling final.
Bhat’s journey to the top spot is an inspiration, considering he was injured in a landmine blast during a special operation near the Line of Control in Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, in 2018. Despite losing the heel and adjoining Talus bone in his left leg, Bhat’s willpower and determination saw him recover and rejoin his unit as a trainer. He later took up precision shooting and won his first para nationals medal in 2022.
In the P3 Mixed 25m Pistol final, Bhat topped the qualification with a score of 582 and went on to win the gold with a score of 24. His sharp shooting skills and ability to adjust his body and mind to precision shooting were key to his success.
*Other Indian Medalists:*
– *Silver Medal:* Mona Agrawal secured a silver medal in the women’s 10m air rifle SH1 category with a score of 246.6, narrowly missing the gold medal won by Korea’s Yunri Lee with a score of 249.0.
– *Other Notable Performances:*
– *Avani Lekhara:* Finished fourth in the air rifle final with a score of 204.8.
– *RS Unhalkar:* Took seventh place in the air rifle final with a score of 141.1.
The Changwon World Cup features 192 athletes from 26 nations and is the first major para shooting event since the Paris 2024 Paralympics. India’s para shooters have kicked off the season with confidence and promise, and fans are eagerly awaiting their next performances.
