An injury on the athletics track may have dashed one dream, but it opened the door to another for Kamaljeet from Rewari.
In 2019, he embraced pistol shooting and has quickly risen to become one of India’s top shooters. The 22-year-old is gearing up to represent India at the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, where shooting events will take place from September 17 to October 3, as per a press release from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI).
Overcoming Challenges
Kamaljeet shared insights into his early challenges and the sacrifices made by his family, stating, “We come from a middle-class background, but my parents always encouraged me to pursue shooting. I had to cover my own costs for training and competitions initially, and there were moments I doubted my ability to continue. It took me two to three years to recover those expenses, but my family never questioned my commitment; they supported me unconditionally.”
His transition from athletics to shooting was supported by a strong network back home in Haryana, particularly through a close coaching relationship. “I have one coach who has guided me from the very beginning. He is from my village, making our bond feel familial. With my coach and my uncle’s support, I have built a solid foundation throughout my journey,” he remarked.
Support from Institutions
Thanks to his consistent performances in domestic competitions, Kamaljeet received institutional support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the NRAI, alleviating financial burdens. He emphasized the importance of NRAI’s transparent selection process and technical assistance, which helped him secure a spot on the national team.
“Previously, I struggled to manage basic expenses, but with sponsorship and backing from SAI, I could focus entirely on my sport. The clarity of NRAI’s selection process made my path straightforward,” he explained.
“My inclusion in the national squad was purely based on merit, determined by the ranking points I earned in various events. Knowing that the system is performance-driven instills confidence, allowing me to focus solely on my performance without distractions.”
“Moreover, NRAI provides us with high-quality equipment and ammunition, matching international standards, which allows us to concentrate on our performance without worrying about our gear during competitions.”
Gearing Up for the Asian Games
After winning a gold medal in the 50m Pistol Men Junior event at the 2023 ISSF Junior World Championships and a silver at the Asian Championships in New Delhi, Kamaljeet sees his recent World Cup experience as crucial preparation for the Asian Games. “The World Cup was a significant learning opportunity. Although my performance wasn’t ideal, it motivated me to enhance my preparation. This will be my first Asian Games, and the international exposure has boosted my confidence as I head to Japan,” he noted.
Reflecting on his journey from an injured athlete to a competitor at the Asian Games, Kamaljeet stated, “In the past, I would only achieve good scores during practice, but now I believe I can replicate that performance under competitive pressure. One lesson I’ve learned is that if things don’t go as planned, they often turn out better than expected.”
At the Aichi-Nagoya 2026 Asian Games, Kamaljeet will compete in the Men’s 10M Air Pistol event, showcasing his skills in this key individual discipline on a continental platform.