Dr. Karni Singh, a legendary figure in Indian shooting, etched his name into the annals of history by becoming India’s first gold medalist at the Asian Shooting Championship held in Seoul in 1971. Competing in the trap shooting event, Dr. Singh showcased unmatched skill and calmness under pressure to outgun the region’s best marksmen.
A pioneer of the sport in India, Dr. Karni Singh had already represented the country at multiple Olympic Games before his landmark triumph in Seoul. His victory not only brought India its first-ever gold at the continental level in shooting, but also helped popularize and legitimize competitive shooting in a country then unfamiliar with the sport.
Beyond his achievements on the range, Dr. Karni Singh was also known for his academic prowess and royal lineage, being a former Member of Parliament and a passionate promoter of sports in India. His contribution to shooting earned him the Arjuna Award in 1961, making him one of the earliest recipients of the prestigious honor.
His legacy continues to inspire generations, with the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi named in his honor — a training ground that has produced many of India’s top shooters.
