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Haryana Secures Top Position at National Shooting Championship with 60 Medals

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, January 7th 2026 at 15:12 GMT by Telangana Today

Haryana Dominates National Shooting Championship, Securing Top Spot with 60 Medals

Haryana finished atop the medal tally at the 66th National Shooting Championship Competitions held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, amassing a remarkable 60 medals – 23 gold, 19 silver, and 18 bronze. The championship, organized by the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), concluded on December 9th, 2023, and saw participation from over 2,500 shooters representing various states and central government organizations. This victory solidifies Haryana’s longstanding reputation as a powerhouse in Indian shooting.

The competition spanned multiple disciplines, including Rifle, Pistol, and Shotgun events across various age categories – Youth, Junior, and Senior. Haryana’s success wasn't limited to a single category; their shooters consistently performed well across all levels, showcasing a robust and well-developed shooting ecosystem within the state. While Haryana led the overall standings, other states also demonstrated strong performances. Punjab secured the second position with 43 medals (17 gold, 16 silver, and 10 bronze), followed by Maharashtra with 41 medals (14 gold, 14 silver, and 13 bronze). Services – representing the armed forces – finished fourth with 34 medals (10 gold, 11 silver, and 13 bronze).

Key Highlights and Standout Performances:

The championship wasn't just about the overall medal count; several individual performances stood out. According to reports, young shooters were particularly impressive, hinting at a bright future for Indian shooting. While the Telangana Today article doesn’t detail specific individual winners, linking to the NRAI website (https://nrai.in/) reveals a wealth of information about top performers. For example, Rhythm Sangwan emerged as a prominent figure, securing gold in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event. Similarly, several junior shooters displayed exceptional talent, indicating a successful talent identification and nurturing program at the grassroots level.

The NRAI’s official website provides detailed results for each event, showcasing the competitiveness of the championship. It’s evident that the competition served as a crucial platform for shooters vying for selection in the Indian national team, particularly with the upcoming international events and the Paris 2024 Olympics in mind. The Bhopal championship was a key component of the selection trials.

Haryana's Shooting Success: A Deeper Dive:

Haryana’s consistent dominance in shooting isn't accidental. The state government has proactively invested in developing shooting infrastructure and providing support to aspiring athletes. This includes establishing state-of-the-art shooting ranges, offering financial assistance for training and equipment, and providing employment opportunities to promising shooters.

Reports indicate that Haryana boasts a dedicated network of academies and coaches who focus on identifying talent from a young age and providing them with the necessary guidance and resources. The state’s focus extends beyond just providing facilities; they also emphasize sports science and mental conditioning, recognizing the importance of holistic athlete development. Many shooters who have represented India internationally hail from Haryana, reinforcing the effectiveness of this approach.

The government's support extends to providing scholarships and financial incentives to encourage young talents to pursue shooting as a career. This comprehensive approach has created a conducive environment for shooting to thrive in the state, resulting in a steady stream of talented shooters representing India on the global stage.

The Significance of the National Championship:

The National Shooting Championship is a cornerstone of the Indian shooting calendar. It serves as a breeding ground for future champions and a vital selection trial for national and international competitions. The event provides a platform for shooters to showcase their skills, gain valuable competitive experience, and assess their performance against the best in the country.

Furthermore, the championship plays a crucial role in popularizing shooting as a sport and encouraging greater participation from all sections of society. The NRAI, along with state associations, is actively working to promote shooting at the grassroots level, expanding its reach to schools and colleges. This initiative aims to identify and nurture young talent, ensuring a sustainable future for Indian shooting.

In conclusion, Haryana’s triumph at the 66th National Shooting Championship underscores the effectiveness of their investment in shooting infrastructure and athlete development. While Punjab and Maharashtra also showcased strong performances, Haryana's consistent dominance across various disciplines and age categories highlights their status as the leading shooting state in India. The championship was a resounding success, providing a platform for talented shooters to shine and preparing them for the challenges ahead, including the pursuit of Olympic glory.