Jindal Steel Shooters Dominate 68th National Shotgun Championship

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Saturday, December 20th 2025 at 7:38 GMT by ThePrint
      Locale: INDIA

Jindal Steel’s shooting stars dominate 68th National Shotgun Championship

The 68th National Shotgun Championship, organised by the Shooting Federation of India (SFI), proved to be a watershed moment for the Jindal Steel sporting arm. Held from 24 to 30 September 2023 at the National Shooting Range in Karnal, Haryana, the tournament brought together over 400 shooters from 28 states and union territories. In a display of sheer precision and poise, two Jindal Steel athletes – Gurjoat Singh Khangura and Raiza Dhillon – not only captured the gold but also swept the podium in their respective disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on India’s shot‑gun legacy.

1. The Championship – A National Showcase

The 68th edition of the National Shotgun Championship served a dual purpose. On one hand, it was a test‑match for Indian shooters on the eve of the 2024 Paris Olympic cycle, while on the other it acted as a qualifier for the upcoming Asian Games in Hangzhou. The event featured a full roster of categories: Senior (Men and Women), Junior, Sub‑Junior, and Mixed, each with separate disciplines – Trap, Double Trap, Skeet, and 50 m Small‑bore. In total, 48 medals were contested across the tournament.

The venue – the National Shooting Range in Karnal – had previously hosted several national championships and is revered for its state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and high‑quality clay targets. The 2023 edition saw a record participation from 20 clubs, with Jindal Steel’s team fielding three shooters in the senior categories alone.

2. Gurjoat Singh Khangura – A Gold‑Medalist Who Set a New Benchmark

Gurjoat Singh Khangura, representing Jindal Steel, competed in the Senior Men’s Double Trap. A seasoned shooter with a string of regional titles under his belt, Gurjoat entered the tournament as one of the favourites, but his performance turned heads with a flawless 125‑shot series in the qualifying round.

In the final, Gurjoat shot an impressive 31‑shots, outclassing his rivals to clinch the gold with a total of 156. His victory was not just a personal triumph; it was also the highest score achieved in the history of the event. The Indian Shooting Federation praised Gurjoat’s “calm demeanor and consistency under pressure,” noting that his victory could inspire a new generation of Indian trap shooters.

Behind Gurjoat’s success lies the robust training ecosystem fostered by Jindal Steel. The company, headquartered in Haryana, runs an in‑house shooting academy that offers world‑class coaching, sports science support, and access to premium equipment. In an interview, Gurjoat credited the coaching staff for fine‑tuning his stance and trigger mechanics, which were instrumental in achieving the record score.

3. Raiza Dhillon – The Rising Star Who Secures Women’s Skeet Gold

Raiza Dhillon, the torchbearer for Jindal Steel’s women’s contingent, dominated the Women’s Skeet category. An 18‑year‑old prodigy with a keen eye and quick reflexes, Raiza entered the final on a silver medal streak from the previous championship. However, she raised the bar this year by nailing a perfect 75 in the final, securing the gold with a total of 131.

Raiza’s triumph was significant on multiple fronts. First, it cemented her status as one of India’s brightest prospects in skeet shooting, potentially placing her in the squad for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Second, it marked a historic moment for the Jindal Steel team, as she was the first woman from the club to win a national title in shot‑gun events.

During a post‑victory interview, Raiza spoke of the importance of mental toughness: “The real challenge is staying focused when the crowd is cheering for the other shooters. I always remind myself that this is about my game.” She also highlighted the support from the club’s sports psychologist, who helped her develop pre‑competition rituals that keep her calm.

4. Jindal Steel’s Sponsorship and Commitment to Sports

Jindal Steel’s presence at the championship was not limited to its athletes. The company’s senior management, led by Chairman Arjan Jindal, actively participated in the event’s opening ceremony and delivered a motivational address to the participants. The firm’s sports division has been consistently investing in infrastructure, including a new 12‑shot training range at its Jindal Academy of Sports in Haryana.

Arjan Jindal emphasised the company’s philosophy: “Sport is about nurturing talent, instilling discipline, and fostering resilience. Our athletes are a testament to this belief.” Under this philosophy, Jindal Steel has launched the “Steel Aim” scholarship programme, earmarking funds for promising shooters from underprivileged backgrounds.

The 68th National Shotgun Championship was a showcase of this commitment. Not only did Gurjoat and Raiza bring home gold, but their teammates from Jindal Steel secured silver and bronze in the same events, underscoring the depth of talent nurtured by the club.

5. Broader Impact and Future Outlook

The success of Gurjoat Singh Khangura and Raiza Dhillon has rippled beyond the boundaries of Karnal. The Indian Shooting Federation announced that both athletes will be shortlisted for the national training squad that will prepare for the Asian Games. Additionally, the SFI will hold a “World Cup” qualifier at the same venue in early 2024, and the Jindal Steel athletes are slated to compete there.

From a broader perspective, the 68th National Shotgun Championship has reignited interest in India’s shot‑gun disciplines, often eclipsed by the more popular target shooting events. Media coverage, including the article on The Print, highlights how the domestic shooting calendar is gradually aligning with international standards.

For Gurjoat and Raiza, the journey is just beginning. Both athletes are eyeing participation in the 2024 ISSF World Cup series, where they aim to break Indian and Asian records. The coaching staff at Jindal Steel has mapped out a tailored training regime that includes overseas exposure camps and psychological conditioning, ensuring that the duo is ready for the global stage.

6. Conclusion

The 68th National Shotgun Championship has not only showcased the technical brilliance of Gurjoat Singh Khangura and Raiza Dhillon but has also highlighted Jindal Steel’s pivotal role in cultivating sporting excellence. Their gold medals, coupled with the club’s sweeping podium finishes, underscore a paradigm shift in Indian shot‑gun shooting – one where talent is nurtured through a blend of rigorous training, scientific support, and unwavering corporate backing.

As India braces for international competitions, athletes like Gurjoat and Raiza stand as symbols of a new era in Indian shooting sports: one that promises consistency, resilience, and a future replete with medals. The narrative crafted by The Print serves as a testament to this evolving legacy, reminding us that behind every triumph lies dedication, support, and an unrelenting pursuit of perfection.