A dramatic video showing an elderly Indian Army commando veteran calmly confronting a cobra at the Chandigarh Army Golf Club has gone viral on social media, leaving viewers impressed by his composure and confidence. The nearly two-minute clip was shared on X. According to the accompanying post, the veteran encountered the cobra while on the golf course and responded without displaying any visible fear or panic.
In the video, the man can be seen approaching the snake with a golf club in his hand. As the cobra raises its hood, he carefully uses the club to control its movement and keep it at a safe distance.
He then crouches close to the reptile and appears to guide it away from the playing area. Throughout the encounter, the veteran remains remarkably calm, even as the hooded snake reacts to his movements.
Sharing the video, Lt Col Sheoran wrote that the veteran’s reaction, confidence and spirit remained sharp despite his age. He also issued a clear warning to viewers: “Please don’t try this at home.”
The video quickly attracted thousands of views and hundreds of reactions. Many social media users praised the veteran’s courage and presence of mind, describing the encounter as an example of the discipline and confidence developed during military service.
“Once a commando, always a commando,” became a common sentiment among viewers, with several users saying that years of specialised training appeared to remain deeply embedded in the veteran’s instincts.
Others, however, expressed concern over the risks involved. Some users pointed out that approaching or attempting to restrain a cobra could lead to a potentially fatal bite, irrespective of a person’s experience or confidence.
A medical professional responding to the video reportedly warned that cobra venom can cause severe neurological complications and that even immediate treatment may not always prevent serious consequences.
The Indian cobra is a venomous species commonly found across the country. When threatened, it may raise the front portion of its body and expand its hood as a defensive warning. Wildlife experts generally advise people not to approach, provoke or attempt to capture such snakes.
The identity of the veteran seen in the video has not been publicly confirmed. There has also been no official statement from the Indian Army, the golf club administration or local authorities regarding the incident.
It is therefore unclear whether a professional snake rescuer was subsequently contacted or where the cobra was ultimately released.
Snakes are occasionally spotted on golf courses because of the extensive grass, bushes, water bodies and surrounding vegetation that provide suitable shelter and access to prey. However, encounters involving venomous snakes should ordinarily be handled by trained wildlife rescuers.
While the viral clip has been widely admired as a display of courage and lifelong military confidence, it also serves as a reminder that civilians should never attempt to imitate such actions.
The safest response after spotting a cobra is to maintain distance, prevent others from approaching and contact local wildlife or snake-rescue authorities. The veteran’s composure may have won praise online, but handling a venomous snake remains an extremely dangerous task.
