Pune, 15th August 2023: In a remarkable display of precision and skill, Pune resident Rajvindra Dhami secured the top spot with an impressive score of 52, earning the Gold medal in the Masters category of the Shotgun Trap Shooting event at the Shotgun Indian Open Competition (SIOC). The competition took place from the 11th to the 16th of August in Bhopal.
The SIOC event saw the participation of over 130 accomplished shotgun shooters from across India. Serving as a precursor to the upcoming Shotgun National Tournament, this competition showcased the exceptional talent within the country’s shotgun shooting community.
Rajvindra’s journey to victory was paved by rigorous training sessions at the Vikram Kakade Shotgun range, located within the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune. The dedication and hard work he put into his preparation bore fruit as he clinched the Gold medal on the grand stage.
Notably, Rajvindra Dhami’s sporting journey dates back to his school days, where he was an active participant in various sports. He represented the Senior Hockey team at Loyola High School in Pune, and later continued his involvement in hockey by playing for the club Kids11.
His transition to the world of shotgun trap shooting began with his exceptional performance in the Nationals Competition held in November 2022, where he qualified and subsequently made a name for himself. Rajvindra’s training and mentorship in this discipline have been guided by Coach Bhushan Musale, a prominent figure in shotgun trap shooting. Bhushan, who himself holds the distinction of being the highest-scoring trap shooter in Maharashtra at the National Level, operates from Pune.
Shotgun shooting, although not a novel sport in India, is still in its nascent stages in Maharashtra. The Balewadi Shotgun range stands as the only officially approved range by the Maharashtra Rifle Association. Its allure has attracted aspiring shotgun shooters from across Maharashtra, seeking to refine their skills and expertise under the guidance of experienced coaches.
Rajvindra Dhami’s exemplary performance not only reflects his individual prowess but also contributes to the growth and recognition of shotgun trap shooting in the state of Maharashtra. His victory serves as an inspiration to budding athletes, encouraging them to excel in sports that are on the rise within the region.
