SRINAGAR: Amir Ahmad Bhat, a 30-year-old para pistol shooter and Junior Commissioned Officer (JCO) in the Indian Army, has brought immense pride to the nation by securing two gold medals and one silver at the ongoing World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup in Changwon, South Korea.
A resident of Damhal village in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district, Amir emerged as the champion in the 25m Sports Pistol event, clinching a gold medal in the individual category and another gold in the team event. He also secured a silver medal in the 10m Standard Pistol category. The event saw participation from 300 shooters across 26 countries, held from May 28 to June 6, 2025.
Amir, the first para shooter from India to qualify for the Paralympics in under two years, had previously represented the country in the Mixed P3-25M Pistol event at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
A Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, Amir’s life changed in 2018 when he was severely injured in a mine blast. But rather than letting the setback define him, he turned his focus to sport shooting, encouraged by a senior officer who recognised his potential.
Since then, Amir has risen rapidly in the international shooting circuit, accumulating a series of medals and accolades.
Amir said, “Holding the national flag, with two gold medals around my neck and the anthem playing, was a moment I will cherish forever. It was more than victory. I am just serving my nation, first with a rifle, now with a pistol.”
Reflecting on his journey, he said, “My journey has not been easy; I never let adversity define me. Winning two golds and a silver at a World Cup with over 300 shooters is a message to every soldier and athlete that nothing is impossible if you stay focused and believe in your mission.”
Amir expressed gratitude to his coaches, the Indian Army, and everyone who supported him. “This is just the beginning. My goal is to bring even more glory to the country in future Paralympics and other international championships,” he said. (KNO)
