In a landmark moment for Indian military sports, Master Chief Petty Officer (MCPO) Omkar Singh of the Indian Navy has won a bronze medal at the 55th CISM World Military Shooting Championship 2025. The event, held from June 23 to 29 at the Terningmoen shooting range in Elverum, Norway, featured elite shooters from 38 countries.
Singh secured the bronze in the 25m Center Fire Pistol event, making it India’s first-ever medal at this prestigious military shooting competition. His podium finish highlights the growing excellence of Indian military athletes on the global stage.
Born on August 8, 1984, in Madhya Pradesh, Singh has consistently delivered strong performances in national shooting competitions. His achievement reflects the Indian Navy’s emphasis on athletic development and disciplined training, which has helped nurture talents capable of excelling in international arenas.
The Indian contingent at the championship included six shooters from the Armed Forces. While all delivered commendable efforts, Singh’s performance stood out and was celebrated with the Indian national flag being ceremonially raised during the medal ceremony—a proud moment for the country.
The championship, organized by the Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM), is one of the most competitive platforms for military athletes worldwide. Experts attribute India’s growing success in such events to the rigorous physical and mental conditioning provided by military training programs. A study in the Journal of Sports Sciences found that structured training significantly boosts precision and resilience, critical factors in competitive shooting.
Despite facing infrastructural challenges such as limited civilian shooting ranges and restricted access to training for aspiring shooters, India’s Armed Forces have continued to invest in talent development. Singh’s win is expected to further encourage institutional support for sports in the military and beyond.
The Ministry of Defence has hailed the bronze medal as a historic achievement, emphasizing the role of military athletes in enhancing India’s global sporting image. As celebrations continue, the spotlight now turns to how India can build on this momentum to strengthen its presence in international shooting competitions.
