India, Feb. 7 -- Niraj Kumar discovered his passion for shooting during a National Cadet Corps (NCC) camp in his hometown of Hoshiarpur while still in school. This initial interest blossomed into a profound dedication, prompting him to forge his own path to continue pursuing the sport.

At the age of 15, he began traveling independently for competitions. Prior to his 12th-grade board exams, he persuaded his family to invest in a .22m Walther gun, promising them that he would complete his graduation in return. As he began to achieve success at the national level, financial constraints hindered his ability to purchase ammunition for practice. Consequently, he sought employment to secure his future, which ultimately led him to pursue a career in the Navy. His consistent performance at junior national championships earned him the job he had aspired to in 2018.

"Since securing my position in the Navy, life on the shooting range has become significantly easier. I can concentrate on my shooting, and my family has encouraged me, saying, 'you have the courage, pursue shooting as much as you desire,'" remarked the soft-spoken Niraj, 25, following his gold medal victory at the 38th National Games in Dehradun.

This latest medal marked his third consecutive achievement at the Games, having previously won gold in Gujarat and silver in Goa. His victory was particularly noteworthy as he outperformed notable competitors, including Paris Olympics bronze medalist Swapnil Kusale and two-time Olympian Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar, who are recognized as India's top rifle three-position shooters. Niraj has also demonstrated remarkable consistency, finishing fourth in the Olympic selection trials held in India. On Thursday, he delivered an outstanding performance, leading from the outset to achieve a score of 464.1. Aishwary secured the silver with 462.4 points, while Kusale took home the bronze with 447.7.

"Competing alongside Swapnil and emerging victorious is incredibly inspiring. He shared insights from his experience at the Paris Olympics. Being a few years my senior, I have known him since my junior days, and his work ethic is commendable," Niraj shared with HT.

Coach Manoj Kumar, who has mentored him at the National Centre of Excellence located at the Karni Singh Range, describes him as a highly competitive shooter. "Although he may not outwardly express it, he has a strong desire to win in every competition. His consistency and determination to prove himself are commendable," he remarks.

Niraj's quest for excellence began during his school years. He was particularly inspired by Abhinav Bindra, India's first individual Olympic gold medalist. "There is no sporting background in my family. My journey began when I participated in an NCC camp at school, where I discovered my passion for the sport. Learning about Abhinav Bindra and his accomplishments served as a significant source of motivation for me."

Initially, Niraj competed in the prone position, but this event was removed from the Olympic roster the following year. "I aspired to transition to three-position shooting, but it is a costly endeavor. The expenses for the weapon and ammunition are substantial, and I needed to acquire my own firearm. My family encouraged me to focus on my education and pursue a stable career, as any middle-class family would wish for their child's secure future," he explains.

Niraj reached an agreement with his family: he would successfully complete his 12th-grade examinations and manage his college education if they purchased a weapon for him. His father, Ravinder Singh, an Army personnel, consented to this arrangement. However, his board exams coincided with junior selection trials in Delhi.

Niraj would take a night bus from Hoshiarpur to Delhi, returning the same day after the trials. Although he did not qualify for the junior India team, he performed well in his examinations. His prized possession became a new Walther gun, which cost Rs.3.5 lakh. "Prior to acquiring the gun, I primarily practiced with dry firing or rented firearms for competitions. The moment I received the rifle, I won a silver medal at the junior nationals in 2016," he recalls with fondness.

To advance in the sport and transition to three-position rifle shooting, he required consistent training. He approached former international coach PT Raghunath, who was then with the Navy, for assistance. "I attempted to persuade him that I wanted to join the Navy, as I was struggling to finance my training. He replied, 'Come back to me next time after you perform well, and we will consider you.'"

Niraj's achievement of securing his first individual gold medal at the junior championship during the subsequent Nationals was well justified. He recounted, "I approached him with the gold medal, and he reached out to me from the trials in Coimbatore."

In 2018, Niraj enlisted in the Navy and currently serves as Chief Petty Officer. That same year, he made his debut in the India junior team and has since pursued his goal with unwavering determination, aspiring to win an Olympic medal akin to those of Bindra and Kusale.

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