Sandeep Singh, a soldier turned shooter, faced an unusual challenge at the final of the shooting Olympic Selection trials in Bhopal. While pressure is a common factor in shooting competitions, Sandeep found himself lacking in it. With impressive scores in the previous trials, he had almost secured his spot in the Indian Olympic team.
Despite the lack of pressure, Sandeep’s performance in the final was modest. However, his consistency in the past trials secured him the top spot, beating out tough competition from Arjun Babuta and Rudranksh Patil. Sandeep’s journey from a cross-country athlete to a shooter has been filled with unexpected twists and turns.
After facing a ban due to a failed dope test, Sandeep was dismissed from the Army Marksmanship Unit and sent back to his unit at Siachen. However, a senior officer recognized his talent and sent him back to train in Delhi, where he excelled once again.
Sandeep’s scores have remained high, and he has proven himself on the international stage as well. Despite his humble beginnings and lack of knowledge about shooting or the Olympics, Sandeep is now looking forward to representing India at the Paris 2024 Games.
With a strong focus on technique and mental fortitude, Sandeep is determined to make his mark in the shooting world. His journey from a small village in Punjab to the Olympic stage is a testament to his resilience and dedication.