Niraj Kumar's Inspiring Journey from Student to Shooting Star

A Life-Changing Decision

In New Delhi, on September 14, Niraj Kumar faced a pivotal moment after completing his Class 12 education. While his family was gearing up for his college enrollment, Niraj had a different aspiration in mind.

He requested his parents to allocate the funds set aside for his college tuition towards purchasing a rifle, enabling him to pursue a professional career in shooting. Now, he proudly represents the Indian shooting team at the Asian Games, commencing in Japan on September 19.

The Cost of Ambition

Niraj's request for a rifle, priced between Rs 3-3.5 lakh, was a considerable financial commitment for a family without a sporting background. However, for him, it symbolized a chance to explore his potential in a sport that began as a casual interest through the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

Early Beginnings

At just 14 years old, Niraj first handled a rifle in 2014, thanks to his father, a retired Army officer, who enrolled him in the NCC to foster a future in the armed forces. Although he had previously engaged in sports like kabaddi, table tennis, and basketball, shooting quickly became his passion.

From Interest to Ambition

Introduced to the 50m Rifle Prone event through NCC, Niraj began competing in various inter-battalion and inter-group contests. As he started winning medals, his casual interest transformed into a serious ambition, leading him to set a long-term goal of securing an Olympic medal.

Overcoming Parental Concerns

Convincing his parents that shooting could be a viable career path proved challenging. With no family history in sports, they were understandably apprehensive about the uncertainties and costs associated with a shooting career. Niraj realized he needed to earn their trust before asking for such a significant investment.

A Challenging Journey

His path was not easy. Initially, the NCC provided him with a rifle for his first national competition, but he had to secure his own equipment afterward. To practice, he began teaching younger cadets, using the last 15-20 minutes of their sessions for his training. Competing with rented rifles made it clear that progress was difficult without personal equipment.

A Defining Moment

After a disappointing competition, Niraj questioned his commitment to shooting. "That was my breaking point. I thought either I will do it with my own rifle, or I will stop. Otherwise, my time would just be wasted," he reflected.

Support from Family

Eventually, his parents decided to support his dream and invested in the rifle. This decision quickly yielded results, as Niraj won a silver medal in the junior category at the National Championships in 2016, followed by a junior gold in 2017.

A New Ambition

These achievements brought him closer to another aspiration formed during his NCC days—joining the Indian Navy. After winning his first national medal, he approached a Navy coach about joining through shooting. Initially told he was too young, he returned the following year after winning national gold and successfully joined the Navy in January 2018.

A Secure Future

For his parents, Niraj's entry into the Navy provided the security they had always desired for him. For Niraj, it offered a platform to pursue shooting at the highest level. "They told me that now my future is secure from their side and that I could fly as high as I wanted," he shared.

Adapting to New Challenges

Transitioning to the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event posed new challenges. Having started in the prone event, he needed to master the technical aspects of kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Without a dedicated coach initially, he took an unconventional approach to enhance his skills.

Self-Directed Learning

Throughout 2018 and the first half of 2019, Niraj dedicated hours to watching ISSF videos on YouTube, studying techniques, and learning the nuances of the event. His knowledge expanded as he observed senior athletes and sought guidance from national coaches after joining the national setup.

International Recognition

His hard work eventually led him to the international stage, where he earned a junior medal at the Asian Championships in 2019. Over the years, various coaches and senior athletes have played a role in his development, with foreign coach Thomas Farnik, who joined the Indian squad in 2022, being particularly influential.

Support from the NRAI

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been crucial in Niraj's progress since he joined the national setup. "When I came into the junior squad, I started going for national camps. There were four-five camps in a year, and that gave me a proper platform to train and improve," he noted.

A Strong Support System

Niraj appreciates the comprehensive support provided by the federation, including coaches, physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists. This structure allows athletes to focus solely on their shooting goals. "The federation has supported us very well, and it has given us a proper pathway towards our goal of winning an Olympic medal," he stated.

Friendship and Support

Niraj's journey has also been bolstered by friends outside the formal sporting system. His friend Sumesh, who has been with him since the beginning, supported him during tough times by sharing training ammunition.

Family's Transformation

For Niraj's family, the journey has come full circle. His father, who once worried about the uncertainties of a sporting career, is now one of his biggest supporters. His elder brother serves in the Army, while his mother, who had little exposure to competitive shooting, witnessed Niraj's performance for the first time during the 2021 Delhi World Cup, where he reached the finals.

Looking Ahead

The family's initial concerns about shooting providing a secure future have transformed into high expectations for Niraj's future achievements.