Bhopal, Jan 2 (UNI) India shooter Niraj Kumar, with his eyes set firmly on Olympic glory, claimed silver in the Men’s 50m 3P category at the 68th National Shooting Championships in Bhopal.
The World Cup gold medallist, who hails from Hoshiarpur, Punjab, reflected on his journey from a small border town to the national podium and highlighted how the new Shooting League of India (SLI) could reshape the future of the sport.
Niraj’s shooting career began in 2014 with the National Cadet Corps (NCC). Overcoming financial hurdles and initial parental hesitation, it was his selection into the Indian Navy that won his family’s support.
“The Shooting League of India will help young athletes and their families see shooting as a viable career. Families often encourage a child to pursue a sport only after witnessing successful examples, and the league will provide that exposure,” Niraj said.
He also expressed excitement at the league’s potential to pair domestic athletes with international stars, mentioning Hungarian World Champion István Péni and Indian teammate Kiran Jadhav.
“It would be a great experience to compete alongside István Péni and Kiran Jadhav, especially if we are in the same team,” he said.
Reflecting on his national performance, Niraj praised the facilities at the Karni Singh Shooting Range.
“I did not follow a strict training regime, but the infrastructure, hostel facilities, meals, and provision of ammunition helped me focus entirely on my performance,” he noted.
On competition among top shooters, Niraj emphasized professionalism and camaraderie.
“Shooting is an individual sport. While we compete against each other on the range, outside it we share friendship. There’s no negativity,” he said.
As he gears up for the 2026 season, Niraj remains focused on his Olympic dream while viewing the Shooting League of India as a platform to elevate athletes’ performance and engage fans nationwide.
