Indian Navy’s Niraj Kumar Claims Gold in Historic National Games Shooting Competition
The ongoing 38th National Games in Uttarakhand have provided thrilling moments, especially for shooting aficionados, as Indian Navy’s Niraj Kumar has taken center stage by stunning Paris Olympic Games medallist Swapnil Kusale in the men’s 50-metre rifle 3 positions event.
A Searing Upset: Niraj Kumar vs. Swapnil Kusale
On Thursday, Niraj Kumar, representing the Services Sports Control Board (SSCB), clinched the gold medal with an impressive score of 464.1. The young shooter outperformed seasoned competitor Swapnil Kusale, who made history in the recent Paris Olympics as the first Indian shooter to secure a medal in this event. Kusale finished the competition in third place, scoring 447.7, which left fans and sports analysts alike buzzing about the upset.
Medal Standings in Men’s 50-Metre Rifle Event:
- Gold: Niraj Kumar (SSCB) – 464.1 Points
- Silver: Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar (Madhya Pradesh) – 462 Points
- Bronze: Swapnil Kusale (Maharashtra) – 447.7 Points
Niraj’s victory not only highlights his growing proficiency in shooting but also adds to the competitive narrative of Indian shooting sports, which is swiftly gaining international recognition.
Women’s Archery: A Day of Triumph
In a parallel showcase of extraordinary talent, veteran archer Deepika Kumari emerged victorious in the women’s archery category. The 30-year-old from Jharkhand defeated competitor Ankita of Bihar with a tight score of 6-4 to secure gold. Deepika’s win is particularly noteworthy against the backdrop of her journey through the Paris Olympics, where she reached the quarterfinals. Alongside her individual victory, she also bagged gold in the team event, reinforcing her status as a stalwart in Indian archery.
In the men’s category, 18-year-old Juyel Sarkar claimed his first gold at the nationals, defeating four-time Olympian Tarundeep Rai, showcasing the remarkable potential of youthful talents in Indian sports.
Services Lead the Medal Tally
Currently, the Services team is at the pinnacle of the medal tally with a total of 56 medals, comprised of 31 gold medals, 13 silver, and 12 bronze. Closely trailing is Karnataka with 30 gold, 11 silver, and 15 bronze, while Maharashtra secures the third position with 19 gold medals, 36 silver, and 33 bronze.
| Updated Medal Tally of National Games 2025: | Rank | State/UT/Team | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Services | 31 | 13 | 12 | 56 | |
| 2 | Karnataka | 30 | 11 | 15 | 56 | |
| 3 | Maharashtra | 19 | 36 | 33 | 94 | |
| 4 | Madhya Pradesh | 18 | 9 | 12 | 39 | |
| 5 | Haryana | 13 | 21 | 22 | 56 |
Conclusion
The 38th National Games have not only spotlighted exceptional individual performances but have also underscored the depth of talent within Indian sports. Athletes like Niraj Kumar and Deepika Kumari are paving the way for future generations, providing inspiration and showcasing the potential of Indian athletes on both domestic and international platforms. As the games progress, fans eagerly await more exciting competitions and records to be broken, reinforcing the notion that India’s sporting domain continues to evolve and impress on the global stage.
