In a display of remarkable skill and unshakable nerve, young shooter Suraj Sharma from Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, achieved a rare golden double at the prestigious 68th National Shooting Championship Competitions. The event, held at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi, witnessed Sharma conquering both the Senior and Junior Men's 25m Rapid Fire Pistol national titles with exceptional precision.
A Day of Dominance on the Range
The championship day belonged entirely to the rising star from Madhya Pradesh. Suraj Sharma began his campaign by asserting his authority in the junior men's final. Displaying calm control, he fired an impressive 30 hits to secure the gold medal in a convincing manner. Not content with just one title, Sharma returned to the firing line later for the senior men's final, where he replicated his clinical form.
Senior Final Showdown and Podium Finishes
In the senior category final, Suraj Sharma started in imperious fashion, hitting a stunning 19 out of his first 20 targets. He maintained this composure throughout the contest, finishing with 31 hits. This stellar performance placed him three hits clear of the defending champion, Vijayveer Sidhu of Punjab, who claimed the silver medal with 28 hits. Bhavesh Shekhawat of Rajasthan secured the bronze medal with a score of 24 hits.
Junior Category Triumph and Team Success
Earlier in the junior final, Sharma's consistent and dominant shooting saw him top the podium. Mukesh Nelavalli earned the silver medal with 25 hits, while Jatin from Haryana took bronze after a shoot-off, finishing with 22 hits. Suraj's outstanding form also contributed significantly to his state's team success. Alongside teammates Sahil Choudhary and Hariom, he helped push Madhya Pradesh to the team silver medal in the junior category with a combined total of 1689 points. Haryana captured the team gold with 1705 points, and the Navy team shot 1667 for the bronze medal.
Establishing a Bright Future
By securing two individual national titles in a single championship, Suraj Sharma has firmly announced himself as one of India's most promising young talents in pistol shooting. This golden double at a premier domestic competition marks a significant milestone in his career and sets the stage for potential international glory. His performance underscores the growing depth of shooting talent in India, particularly from the state of Madhya Pradesh.
