Sartaj Tiwana Triumphs at Khelo India University Games Amid Personal Challenges

Sartaj Tiwana's Inspiring Comeback

Jaipur (Rajasthan) [India], December 5: After a challenging year marked by his father's health issues, Sartaj Tiwana arrived in Jaipur with a strong resolve to reclaim his title at the Khelo India University Games. The final-year Master's student in Public Administration from Lovely Professional University recognized that this event might be his last chance to regain his competitive edge before the Senior National Shooting Championships.

At the Jagatpura Shooting Range, the 23-year-old not only secured the gold medal in the Men's 50m Rifle 3-position event but also contributed to his university's team gold victory.

Reflecting on his achievement, Sartaj shared, “This result was something I envisioned, especially after facing numerous challenges. It’s motivating to achieve such a milestone before the national championships. This was my fourth appearance at the university games, and I’ve consistently reached the podium, so I was determined to maintain that streak,” he told SAI Media.

Having started shooting during his boarding school days, Sartaj has consistently excelled on both national and international stages, earning a silver medal at the Asian Championships and a bronze at the World University Games in 2023.

However, his aspirations faced a significant hurdle last July when his father, Kultej, was hospitalized with severe health complications, including pneumonitis and a rare case of chickenpox in the lungs. This situation forced Sartaj to leave the National Centre of Excellence in New Delhi and return to Mohali to support his father's recovery.

The emotional strain of witnessing his father's condition impacted Sartaj's training and performance, making it difficult for him to focus on shooting. Despite these challenges, he persevered with the aid of his Khelo India scholarship, which was crucial as his family incurred substantial medical expenses.

As his father continues to recover, Sartaj is working to clear his mind and prioritize his mental and physical well-being, especially with the selection process for the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games approaching, starting with the Senior Nationals later this month.

The Khelo India University Games 2025 served as a crucial test of his readiness, and he emerged victorious.

“I’m someone who keeps pushing forward regardless of the outcome. Everyone experiences different phases in life, and I’ve been through a tough one. But now, things are looking up, and I’m hopeful for the future,” he concluded.