New Delhi, March 27, 2025 – In a remarkable display of resilience and skill, Amir Ahmad Bhat from Damhal, Anantnag in Jammu & Kashmir has won a silver medal in the Mixed 25m Pistol Shooting event at the Khelo India Para Games 2025. The event, held at the prestigious Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi, showcased Bhat’s extraordinary talent and determination, marking him as a beacon of hope and a true inspiration for the youth of Kashmir and beyond.
Bhat, a 30-year-old former Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, turned adversity into triumph after surviving a life-altering injury in 2018. During a mission along the Line of Control, he sustained severe damage from a mine blast—an incident that could have ended his career and spirit. However, Bhat’s story is one of grit and perseverance. Transitioning from a military sniper to a para-shooter, he has not only reclaimed his passion for shooting but also etched his name in history as the first para-shooter from the Army and Jammu & Kashmir to compete at the Paris 2024 Paralympics.
At the Khelo India Para Games 2025, Bhat’s silver medal win in the Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 event highlighted his exceptional marksmanship, honed during his days as a sniper. “I was trained in firing techniques in the Army,” Bhat shared in an interview with SAI Media. “When my injury happened, I didn’t know anything about shooting as a sport. But I was given a chance, and I grabbed it.” His journey from the rugged terrains of Anantnag to the shooting ranges of New Delhi is a testament to his unyielding spirit.
The Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range, a world-class facility in South Delhi, provided the perfect stage for Bhat’s achievement. Spread across 72 acres and originally built for the 1982 Asian Games, the venue has hosted numerous international events, including the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Its state-of-the-art infrastructure, including the 25m range where Bhat competed, underscores India’s growing prominence in shooting sports.
Bhat’s success is more than just a personal victory—it’s a symbol of Kashmir’s bright future. As a role model, he embodies the potential of the region’s youth to overcome challenges and excel on national and global platforms. His achievement at the Khelo India Para Games, an initiative to promote para-sports in India, reflects the program’s success in identifying and nurturing talent like his.
Supported by the Indian Army’s Marksmanship Unit, Bhat’s transformation into an elite para-athlete highlights the institution’s commitment to its soldiers, regardless of physical ability. “In the Army, it doesn’t matter if you’re able or disabled—you’re given the same respect and opportunities,” he said. This ethos has fuelled his rise, proving that challenges can be stepping stones to greatness.
As Jammu & Kashmir celebrates one of its own, Amir Ahmad Bhat stands tall as a harbinger of hope, inspiring countless others to dream big. His silver medal is not just a prize—it’s a promise of what dedication and courage can achieve. With his sights now set on future Paralympic glory, Bhat’s journey continues to light the way for a new generation of champions from Kashmir.