Rudransh Khandelwal

India para-shooters Rudransh Khandelwal and Nihal Singh won the gold and silver respectively in the P4 Mixed 50m pistol SH1 category at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) World Cup here on July 10, 2023.

The 16-year-old Rudransh resident of Bharatpur, Rajasthan created a world record in the event, shooting a score of 231.1 in the final, while Nihal shot 222.2 to finish second.

Rudransh broke the world record of Khel Ratna awardee Manish Narwal, who won gold at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

Nihal was the leader at the end of the qualification round with a score of 536, while Rudransh was fifth with 529.

In 2015, Rudransh Khandelwal suffered severe injuries during a fireworks accident at a wedding ceremony, resulting in the loss of one of his legs. This incident cast a shadow over his life, but with the support of his parents and coach, Rudransh Khandelwal chose shooting as his new path. In this sport, he has consistently set and achieved numerous milestones, overcoming the challenges posed by his physical condition. Despite the darkness that entered his life after the accident, Rudransh Khandelwal has emerged as a shining example of resilience and determination in the world of shooting, continually establishing new records and accomplishments.

Under the guidance of coach Sumit Rathi at Rudransh Khandelwal Academy, Rudransh has consistently showcased his brilliance through hard work and dedication, earning recognition at various state, national, and international levels. He has secured numerous medals, and in the upcoming 50-meter Air Shooting competition in Europe, he has notched two gold medals, setting a world record. Breaking a five-year-old world record of 229 points, Rudransh established a new world record of 231.1 points.

Rudransh’s mother, Vinita Kumari, shared that she was a teacher in a private school when she was appointed as a sports officer in the school. When she took the students to play at Lohagarh Stadium, she had the chance to meet coach Satyaprakash Luhach. An air pistol shooting competition was taking place there, and upon witnessing the event, Rudransh’s mother spoke to Coach Satyaprakash Luhach. She told him about Rudransh and asked if her child, who had only one leg, could ever play such sports.

When Sports Officer Satyaprakash Luhach explained the air pistol competition and how it could be played easily, he encouraged them to consider it for Rudransh.

At 31 Jan 2024, he is brand ambassador of Bharatpur Nagar Nigam.