In a proud moment for the Indian Army, Lieutenant Nishant Mehla of the Spear Corps, under the Eastern Command, clinched the gold medal in the 10m Air Pistol event at the 18th Gen JJ Singh Officers Shooting Championship. The event, held from April 10 to April 23, 2025, took place at the prestigious Army Marksmanship Unit (AMU) at the Infantry School in Mhow, Madhya Pradesh.
The championship, part of the Indian Army’s broader Mission Olympics, aligns with the Khelo India initiative, which aims to nurture sporting talent and elevate India’s presence on the global stage. The competition, named the 2nd Young Blood Inter Div Skill at Arms Championship, brought together officers from various commands to showcase their marksmanship skills, with the goal of preparing them for national and international events, including the Olympics.
Lt Nishant Mehla’s victory adds to the storied legacy of the Army Marksmanship Unit, which has been a breeding ground for world-class shooters. The AMU has previously produced Olympic medalists like Subedar Major Vijay Kumar, who won a silver medal in the 25m rapid-fire pistol event at the 2012 London Olympics, and Col Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, who secured a silver in the shooting event at the 2004 Athens Olympics. Both medalists honed their skills at the AMU during their tenures in Mhow.
The Infantry School in Mhow, where the championship was held, has a rich history as a training establishment for Indian Army officers. Dating back to the British era, the school has played a pivotal role in military training, with its Army Marksmanship Unit becoming a cornerstone for developing shooting talent. The Eastern Command expressed its pride in Lt Mehla’s achievement, wishing him success in his future endeavors as he continues to represent the Indian Army on larger platforms.
This victory underscores the Indian Army’s commitment to fostering excellence in sports, contributing to India’s dream of becoming a global sporting powerhouse.
