In a historic achievement, 18-year-old Abishek Sekhar from Bengaluru became the first shooter from Karnataka to secure six medals at the 67th National Shooting Championship Competitions (NSCC) held in Bhopal. Competing against India’s elite shooters, including Olympians and World Cup champions, Abishek showcased exceptional skill and determination.

Medal Tally and Performance Highlights

Abishek clinched:

  • 3 Gold Medals in Team Events.
  • 1 Silver Medal in the Junior Men’s 10m Air Rifle Finals, scoring an impressive 251.4.
  • 1 Silver Medal in the Junior Mixed Team Event, partnered with Tilottama Sen.
  • 1 Bronze Medal in the Civilian Category.

Notably, his silver in the Junior Men’s Finals came in a closely contested event where Rudrankksh Patil, an Olympic hopeful, broke the World Record.

Journey and Achievements

Abishek began his shooting career in 2019, achieving early success by breaking the Karnataka record within two months of training. Despite a two-year hiatus during the pandemic, he returned in 2022, quickly regaining momentum and earning accolades in state and national-level competitions, including the State Shooting Championships and Dussehra Cup.

He trains under Ramachandran Purushothaman at the Art of Shooting Academy in Bengaluru and receives strong backing from the Karnataka State Rifle Association.

Aiming for the Olympics

Reflecting on his achievement, Abishek said, “My ultimate dream is to stand on the podium at the next Olympics and make my country proud.” His coach praised his discipline, attention to detail, and analytical approach to the sport, emphasizing these traits as pivotal for his future success.

NSCC 2024 Overview

The 67th NSCC saw participation from a record 13,522 shooters across India, solidifying its reputation as the country’s premier shooting competition.

Abishek Sekhar’s incredible performance has not only brought glory to Karnataka but also raised hopes for his future as a potential Olympic medalist.

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