from-siachen-to-olympics-shooter-sandeep-singh-aims-high

Indian shooter Sandeep Singh's determination to overcome personal challenges and succeed as a sports shooter was forged in the harsh environment of Siachen, the world's highest battlefield.

 

 Enduring temperatures as low as -40 degrees Celsius, Sandeep lived in a tent, at a place where the weather remains a bigger threat than the enemy.

The 28-year-old 10m air rifle shooter, who clinched victory in the Olympic Selection Trials to secure a berth at the Paris Olympics earlier this year, attributes his success to his gruelling experience in Siachen.

 

"Being alone in the snowy wilderness at -40 degrees Celsius, where you have to prepare your food in the camp, was a test of resilience," Singh said during the ceremonial send-off of the Paris-bound Indian athletes.

 

After serving as a reserve shooter for the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, a dip in form led to Singh, a Havildar, being sent back to his unit. He was posted in Siachen for six months between 2021 and 2022.

 

"That period gave me the time to think about my future, what I needed to do, and how to enhance my shooting skills," Singh said.

 

Coming from a humble background in Faridkot district, with his father working as a daily wage labourer and two brothers working as bike mechanics, Singh had no background in sports.

 

"I used to run cross-country twice a day, covering 7-8 km, to join the Army. My younger brother wasn't as fortunate; he and my elder brother are bike mechanics now," Singh added.

 

Singh used to do labour and daily-wage jobs before joining the Army.

 

The first gun he held was an INSAS rifle, a standard weapon used by the Indian Army which also functions as a light machine gun.

 

He used it to hone his shooting abilities.

 

While the shooter is all set to leave for the upcoming summer Olympic Games being held in Paris, his story of perseverance and grit serves as an inspiration to young men and women in the country.