The 2012 London Olympics marked a landmark chapter in India’s shooting legacy, with stellar performances from Gagan Narang and Vijay Kumar, who delivered medals that uplifted the nation’s Olympic spirit.
Gagan Narang, one of India’s most consistent rifle shooters, earned his long-awaited Olympic medal in the Men’s 10m Air Rifle event. With a score of 701.1, he clinched the bronze, becoming the first Indian to win a medal at the London Games and ending India’s wait for an Olympic podium finish in shooting since Abhinav Bindra’s gold in 2008.
Just days later, Vijay Kumar scripted a stunning performance in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event. Displaying nerves of steel and lightning-fast reflexes, he secured the silver medal with a total of 30 hits, giving India one of its finest moments in pistol shooting on the Olympic stage.
The duo’s triumphs contributed to India’s then-best Olympic medal tally and inspired a new generation of shooters. Their medals were more than personal victories — they were symbolic of India’s rise in elite competitive shooting and affirmed the country’s place among the world’s best in precision sports.
