Veteran Gujarat Shooter Rohit Panchal Defies Age with Remarkable National Achievements
At an age when most athletes have long retired from competitive sports, veteran Gujarat shooter Rohit Panchal from Anand continues to set new benchmarks in Indian shooting. The 68-year-old marksman recently accomplished a rare national double at the prestigious 68th National Shooting Championship held in Delhi, while simultaneously completing a hat-trick of earning the distinguished "Renowned Shooter of India" title. This remarkable achievement underscores his sustained elite performance across multiple shooting disciplines, defying conventional expectations about age and athletic longevity.
Historic National Championship Performance
Panchal demonstrated exceptional versatility by winning medals in two distinct weapon categories—a feat rarely witnessed at the national level. Competing in the Senior Master category for athletes aged 60 and above, he secured the gold medal in Clay Pigeon Double Trap (Senior Master Men – Individual) and earned a bronze medal in the 50-metre Pistol (Senior Master Men – Individual) event. This dual success highlights his extraordinary ability to excel in both shotgun and pistol disciplines, showcasing technical mastery that spans different shooting techniques and equipment requirements.
What makes his performance even more impressive is the breadth of his participation. Panchal competed in five separate events at the national championships—three pistol competitions and two trap shooting events. Such extensive participation is uncommon for athletes at any level, particularly for veterans, demonstrating both remarkable physical endurance and mental fortitude.
The Coveted "Renowned Shooter of India" Hat-Trick
The "Renowned Shooter of India" title represents one of the highest honors in Indian shooting, awarded to athletes who achieve the prescribed Minimum Qualifying Score at National Championships. Panchal's relationship with this prestigious recognition spans nearly two decades:
- He first earned the title in 2007 for his performance in the .32 pistol event
- In 2012, he became the first shooter from Gujarat to win the title in Trap shooting at the Jaipur nationals
- His latest achievement at the 68th edition completes a remarkable hat-trick of this coveted recognition
A Career Studded with Milestones and Records
Panchal's shooting career is decorated with numerous significant achievements that span all three primary shooting disciplines—shotgun, pistol, and rifle. His journey includes several groundbreaking moments:
- In 2018, he won Gujarat's first-ever All-India level medal in Shotgun Trap Shooting, securing silver in the Veteran Men category
- Two years later, at the 66th National Shooting Championship in Delhi, he set a national record in single trap shooting by hitting 114 out of 125 clay targets, surpassing the previous record of 107
- More than two decades ago, he established a Gujarat State Shooting Championship record with a score of 552/600 in the .22 Rifle Open Sight, Prone Position (50 metres)—a record that remarkably still stands in 2026
Throughout his distinguished national career, Panchal has accumulated an impressive collection of 20 medals, comprising five gold, seven silver, and eight bronze awards.
From Humble Beginnings to Mentoring Future Champions
Panchal's shooting journey began in 1972 through the National Cadet Corps with the 13th Gujarat Battalion in Vallabh Vidyanagar. He embraced competitive shooting seriously in 1990 and methodically progressed through district, state, and national levels, building his skills and reputation through consistent dedication.
Beyond his personal achievements, Panchal demonstrates deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of shooting talent. As the founder-secretary of the Anand District Rifle Shooting Association, he has played a pivotal role in developing modern shooting infrastructure. "We established advanced facilities—including an imported 10-metre shooting range—at D N High School," Panchal explained. "This infrastructure enables numerous young shooters, including many girls, to progress to district and state squads in air pistol and air rifle events."
Rohit Panchal's continued excellence serves as an inspiring testament to the possibilities of athletic achievement regardless of age, while his dedication to developing future talent ensures his legacy will extend far beyond his own competitive accomplishments.
