Niraj Kumar: From College Aspirations to Shooting Stardom

A Defining Moment in Niraj's Life

Upon completing his Class 12 education, Niraj Kumar faced a pivotal choice that would shape his future. While his family was gearing up for his college enrollment, Niraj had a different vision. He requested his parents to invest the funds earmarked for his education into purchasing a rifle, enabling him to pursue professional shooting. Now, he proudly represents the Indian shooting team at the Asian Games set to commence in Japan on September 19.

The Cost of Ambition

The rifle he sought was priced between Rs 3-3.5 lakh, a hefty sum for a family without a sporting legacy. However, for Niraj, it symbolized a chance to explore his potential in a sport he was introduced to through the National Cadet Corps (NCC).

Discovering a Passion

Niraj first handled a rifle at the age of 14 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 primary focus.

The Journey to Professional Shooting

Through the NCC, he was introduced to the 50m Rifle Prone event and began participating in various competitions. As he started winning medals, his casual interest transformed into a serious ambition. By the time he reached the pre-national level, Niraj was determined to pursue a career in shooting, setting his sights on an Olympic medal.

Overcoming Parental Concerns

Convincing his parents that shooting could be a legitimate career path proved challenging. With no athletes in the family, they were understandably apprehensive about the uncertainties and costs associated with the sport. Niraj realized he needed to build their trust before asking for a significant financial commitment.

Navigating Challenges

His path was not easy. 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, utilizing the last moments of their training sessions for his own practice. Competing with rented rifles made progress difficult, leading him to a critical decision point regarding his future in shooting.

A Leap of Faith

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

Joining the Indian Navy

These achievements also brought him closer to another goal: joining the Indian Navy. After winning his first national medal, he approached a Navy coach about enlisting through shooting. Initially told he was too young, he returned the following year after securing a national gold and successfully joined the Navy in January 2018.

Transitioning as an Athlete

Niraj's shift to the 50m Rifle 3 Positions event posed new challenges. Having started in the prone event, he had to master the technical aspects of kneeling, prone, and standing positions. Lacking a dedicated coach initially, he took an unconventional approach by watching ISSF videos on YouTube and learning from senior athletes.

Support and Growth

His journey led him to international competitions, including a junior medal at the Asian Championships in 2019. Various coaches and senior athletes have played a role in his development, with foreign coach Thomas Farnik being particularly influential since joining the Indian squad in 2022.

The Role of the NRAI

The National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) has been crucial in Niraj's progress, providing him with opportunities to train at national camps. He appreciates the comprehensive support from the federation, which allows athletes to focus solely on their sport.

Community Support

Niraj's journey has also been bolstered by friends like Sumesh, who supported him during tough times by sharing training resources. His family, once skeptical about a career in sports, now stands firmly behind him, with his father being one of his strongest advocates.

Looking Ahead

The family's initial worries about the viability of a shooting career have transformed into high expectations for Niraj's future achievements.