Sift Kaur Samra shattered the world record in the Women’s 50 metre rifle three positions final at the Asian Games.
Sift Kaur Samra, a 22-year-old Indian sport shooter, is a rising star competing in the women’s 50m rifle 3 positions event at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Her journey began at a young age, fueled by both family and academic encouragement.
Samra’s introduction to shooting came at nine years old through her cousin Sekhon, a shotgun shooter. They visited a shooting range in Punjab, sparking a passion that would redefine her path. While her parents, from an agricultural background involved in the rice selling business, likely envisioned a different future, they supported her endeavors.
Samra balanced her shooting pursuits with academics. While studying at Baba Farid Public School in Faridkot, her teachers recognized her talent and encouraged her participation in competitions. Her success at the state and national levels paved the way for international opportunities, where she continued to excel for India.
Samra started her Olympics journey as a nine-year-old // Picture Courtesy —Hindustan Times
Initially enrolled in an MBBS program at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College and Hospital in Faridkot, Samra’s dedication to shooting demanded a difficult decision. To fully commit to the sport, she switched gears and enrolled in a Bachelor of Physical Education and Sports program at Guru Nanak Dev University in Amritsar. This move solidified her focus on a shooting career.
Samra’s commitment paid off in 2023 when she shattered the world record in the Women’s 50 metre rifle three positions final at the Asian Games. This feat secured her the individual gold medal, defeating Qiongyue Zhang and etching her name in sporting history. She further contributed to India’s success by winning a team silver medal alongside teammates Ashi Chouksey and Manini Kaushik.
Sift Kaur Samra’s journey to the Olympics wasn’t without challenges. The grueling four-stage Olympic selection trials demanded focus and consistency. On the penultimate day of the trials held in Bhopal, she secured her third victory in the women’s 50m rifle three positions competition, narrowly edging out Nischal by a single point. This triumph cemented her place in the Indian contingent for the Paris Olympics.
Samra not only excelled academically but also achieved international recognition in shooting // Picture Courtesy — RevSportz
Samra’s story is remarkable within the context of Indian athletics. In a country where millions compete for a limited number of medical school seats and even fewer qualify for the Olympics, she stands out. She not only excelled academically but also achieved international recognition in shooting.
The scars of the Tokyo Olympics, where India’s large contingent failed to secure a medal in shooting, still linger. However, Samra’s talent and recent success ignite hope for a turnaround. Her consistent improvement and mental resilience position her as a strong contender to deliver a long-awaited Olympic medal for India in shooting.
