New Delhi, August 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian Army shooter Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve’s journey to the Asian Games began almost by accident. After joining the Army in 2018, the 27-year-old discovered pistol shooting through a talent-identification programme. Today, the Naib Subedar of the 27 Madras Regiment is preparing to represent India at the Asian Games, with his ultimate target set on an Olympic medal at Los Angeles.
Hailing from an agricultural family in Karnataka, Kedarling had previously competed in athletics, including the 1,500m at district level, but had never considered shooting as a career.
“I did not know much about shooting before joining the Army. I had only heard the name of Abhinav Bindra during school or college because it would come up in general knowledge. When I joined the Army in 2018, I discovered that there was a shooting range and that talent was being identified. I was selected, and that was when I really came to know about shooting,” he recalled.
His initial exposure to the sport came through the Army’s selection programme. As he began participating in domestic competitions and gaining wider exposure, he realised that shooting could offer him an opportunity to compete internationally while continuing his service.
“Initially, we did not have much information about the sport. We would just train with the gun. But when we started getting outdoor exposure, watching shooting-related videos and going to domestic competitions, we began to understand that this could actually become a career. We could do our job and also play for the country. That is when the desire started,” he said.
Kedarling was particularly drawn to the mental discipline and precision demanded by pistol shooting.
“I liked that it is an indoor sport and there are no external factors like running. You have to control yourself and focus on your grouping. I started enjoying it,” he said.
The Army has played a central role in his development, providing coaching, infrastructure and equipment. Support from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and his sponsor has further helped him participate in camps and international competitions.
“NRAI has been very supportive throughout my journey. Whenever we have to go for competitions, camps or international events, they make sure that the necessary support is available. The entire team environment is very positive, and everyone is working together,” he said.
Coming from a farming family, Kedarling has also experienced the financial demands associated with competitive shooting, particularly the cost of specialised equipment and ammunition. He said the situation has improved with the progress he has made in his career.
Meditation has become another important part of his preparation, helping him control his breathing and remain focused.
“First of all, if we stay calm, everything will be fine. During meditation, I focus on my breathing and on the situation, so that I can stay in the present. That helps me,” he said.
That emphasis on staying in the present also defines his approach to major competitions.
“My aim is the same in every competition — to bring medals for the country. We have a strategy and a training routine. We have to execute that properly. If we follow our routine and execute our training in the right way, the medal will come automatically,” he said.
Selection for the Asian Games has become the biggest milestone of his career so far, bringing immense pride to his family and his village in Karnataka.
“They are very happy that their son is going to another country for a competition. Coming from a village, getting a job and then getting an opportunity to go abroad is a big thing. They just tell me to do well, take care of myself and have faith in God,” he said.
Despite the expectations surrounding him, Kedarling insists that he does not feel additional pressure.
“There is no pressure. If I perform well, everything will happen automatically — the country’s name, my village’s name and the Army’s name. My main focus is to stay in the present and execute what I have learned and trained for,” he said.
His philosophy is rooted in patience, something he believes has been essential to his rise from a young Army recruit unfamiliar with shooting to an international-level athlete.
“My mantra is — Just be patient. You will get what you want in time. Don’t run ahead of time. Whatever you are working hard for, you will get it in time,” he added.
From discovering a shooting range after joining the Army in 2018 to competing at a senior World Cup in 2022 and earning selection for the Asian Games, Kedarling’s progress has been built steadily.
The Asian Games represents his next major challenge, but his ambition extends much further — to Los Angeles and an Olympic medal for India.
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