Vadodara: Demonstrating grit and resilience, a 54-year-old shooter from Vadodara has made a mark on the national stage, winning a gold medal at the 24th Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial Shooting Championship held in New Delhi.
Richa Bhatnagar clinched the top spot in the 25-metre sports pistol (master women) category and was the only participant from Gujarat to win gold at the tournament.
Her journey, however, has been far from easy. In 2023, just a day before a crucial event at a national championship, she lost her father. Despite the personal tragedy, she returned to compete after performing his last rites and went on to win accolades, marking a turning point in her shooting career.
An entrepreneur by profession, Bhatnagar took up shooting as a hobby at the age of 50. Over time, she developed a passion for the sport and has since won over 23 medals at national and state-level competitions.
"Winning a gold medal is always special. Shooting keeps you focused and calm. It has brought a lot of positivity into my life," she said.
Encouraging others to pursue their interests, she added, "It's never too late to follow your passion. I picked up shooting at 50 and have gone on to achieve so much."
Tushar Tere is the Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India,...
Read MoreTushar Tere is the Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Vadodara, covering diverse beats such as crime, sports, business, politics, legal issues, art and culture, and heritage. His passion for storytelling extends beyond writing. Tushar is an avid photographer, capturing moments that inspire and inform. With a keen eye for detail and a love for diverse topics, I strive to bring insightful and engaging content to readers.
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