New Delhi: 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 travelling independently to participate in competitions. Prior to his 12th-grade board exams, he persuaded his family to invest in a Walther rifle, promising them that he would complete his graduation in return. As he began to achieve success at the domestic level, financial constraints hindered his ability to purchase ammunition for training. Consequently, he sought employment that would secure his future, ultimately leading him to pursue a career in the Navy. His consistent performance at junior national championships earned him the job he had promised himself 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 Aishwarya 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. Aishwarya secured the silver with 462.4 points, while Kusale took home the bronze with 447.7.

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

Coach Manoj Kumar, who has guided him at the National Centre of Excellence located at the Karni Singh Range, characterizes him as an exceptionally competitive shooter. "Although he may not openly display it, he harbours a profound ambition to triumph in every competition. His level of consistency is truly admirable."

Niraj's quest for excellence began during his school years. Notably, the journey of India’s first individual Olympic gold medalist, Abhinav Bindra, served as a significant source of inspiration for Niraj. “There is no sporting background in my family. My interest in the sport ignited when I participated in an NCC camp at school. Learning about Abhinav Bindra and his accomplishments greatly motivated 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 sport. The expenses for the weapon and ammunition are substantial. I required my own firearm. My family encouraged me to focus on my education and secure employment. Any middle-class family naturally desires a stable future for their child,” he explains.

Niraj reached an agreement with his family. He promised to pass his 12th-grade examinations and manage his graduation if they would purchase a weapon for him. His father, Ravinder Singh, an Army personnel, consented. However, his board exams coincided with junior selection trials in Delhi.

Niraj would take a night bus from Hoshiarpur to Delhi and return the same day after the trials. Although he did not qualify for the junior India team, he performed well in his exams. A new Walther gun, valued at ₹3.5 lakh, became his treasured possession. “Prior to acquiring the gun, I primarily practised with dry holding 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 pursue the sport further 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 unable to finance my training. He replied, ‘Come back to me next time you perform well, and we will consider you.’”

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