Zoravar Singh Sandhu, 48, Wins Historic ISSF World Bronze, Proving Age is No Barrier

In a testament to perseverance and the timeless pursuit of excellence, 48-year-old Indian shooter Zorawar Singh Sandhu clinched a historic bronze medal in men's trap at the International Shooting Sports Federation (ISSF) World Championship Shotgun 2025 on October 17, 2025. Competing at the Malakasa Shooting Range amid challenging rainy conditions and shifting shadows, Sandhu's achievement marks only the third individual world championship medal for India in trap shooting, adding to the nation's storied legacy in the sport at this Olympic cradle.

Speaking to NDTV post-final, the veteran athlete reflected, "My hard work has ultimately paid off. I dedicate this medal to my country, and I would say that youngsters should keep working hard to achieve their goals. Nothing is impossible." His calm demeanour belied the emotional weight of a 31-year journey, proving that age remains no barrier in the precision-driven world of competitive shooting.

Sandhu's path to the podium was a masterclass in resilience. Thirty-one years after his debut at the junior world championships and 27 years following his first senior appearance, he navigated a gruelling qualification phase spread over two days. Hitting 99 out of 100 targets in the initial four rounds, he faltered slightly in the fifth, missing the seventh and 23rd targets to score 23, for a total of 122. This score secured sixth place among 128 entrants, advancing him to the 50-shot final. There, he surged ahead by nailing 31 of the first 40 targets, fending off environmental hurdles and an ill-suited bib number that cast unwanted shadows. Croatia's Josip Glasnovic, a former Olympic champion, claimed gold with an impeccable 44 hits, while Spain's junior sensation Andres Garcia took silver with 39. "It was a great experience," Sandhu said afterward. "It was a tough range, tough conditions to shoot, but that's how it is. I would like to thank my family, coaches, and teammates for their support."

This triumph evokes Athens' hallowed status in Indian shooting lore, where Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore etched history with a silver in double trap at the 2004 Olympics—the country's first individual Olympic medal in the discipline. Sandhu's bronze further cements India's rising prowess in shotgun events, bolstered by strategic coaching under British Olympian Peter Wilson, who joined the national setup in recent years.

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) President, Kalikesh Narayan Singh Deo, hailed the feat as "yet another historic moment," crediting the squad's growing confidence and the coaching staff's role in elevating trap performance. With every international outing, Indian shooters are dismantling barriers, transitioning from sporadic successes to consistent contenders on the global stage.

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As Sandhu's medal gleams amid Diwali celebrations back home, it serves as an inspiring beacon for aspiring athletes. In an era where youth often dominates headlines, his story at 48 underscores the rewards of unwavering dedication in a demanding sport that tests mental fortitude as much as marksmanship. NRAI officials anticipate this victory will galvanise the next generation, potentially swelling participation in trap disciplines ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. For Zorawar, the bronze is more than hardware—it's validation of a lifelong passion, a dedication to his nation, and a reminder that with grit, the stars remain within reach, regardless of the calendar.

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