Suruchi Singh, a 19-year-old shooter from Jhajjar, Haryana, made history on June 13 by clinching India’s first gold medal at the ISSF World Cup 2025 in Munich in the Women’s 10m Air Pistol event. With a final score of 241.9, Suruchi narrowly edged out France’s Camille Jedrzejewski, marking her third consecutive World Cup gold in this discipline and her fourth overall this season.
Her victory was widely celebrated by Indian shooting officials, coaches, and fellow athletes, who praised her remarkable composure and inspiring journey from rural Haryana to the world stage.
A Journey Rooted in Rural Haryana and Family Sacrifice
Suruchi Singh’s rise is a classic story of grit, sacrifice, and unwavering family support. Born into a modest farming family in Jhajjar, she grew up helping her father, Havildar Inder Singh, a retired army man, with agricultural chores and machinery. Despite limited resources, her father recognised her potential when Suruchi showed a keen interest in shooting at the age of 14.
Determined to nurture her talent, he enrolled her at the Guru Dronacharya Shooting Academy in Gurugram, nearly 100 km away from their village. For years, Suruchi, accompanied by her father and brothers, would undertake the daily journey by train and bus, often returning home late at night after long hours of practice.
Her coach, Suresh Singh, recalls her early impatience and emotional outbursts during matches, but credits her transformation to relentless practice and a strict focus on mental discipline. “She’s incredibly stubborn—in the best way. She never gives up until she gets it right,” he shares. Suruchi’s pre-match ritual of calling her coach for a pep talk has become a symbol of her humility and willingness to learn.
From Backyard Ranges to International Glory
Suruchi’s journey began with makeshift backyard shooting sessions using borrowed equipment, but her raw talent quickly became evident. Inspired by the legacy of fellow Jhajjar shooter Manu Bhaker, Suruchi set her sights on the 10m air pistol event. She dominated the domestic circuit, winning seven gold medals at the National Championships across junior, youth, and senior categories in the past year alone.
Her breakthrough on the international stage came in 2024, and she has since become the first Indian woman to win three consecutive World Cup golds in the 10m Air Pistol event, with victories in Buenos Aires, Lima, and now Munich. In Munich, Suruchi matched the national qualification record with a score of 588, equalling Manu Bhaker’s feat.
The final was a nail-biter, with Suruchi regaining her composure in the last rounds to outshoot Jedrzejewski by just 0.2 points, while China’s Yao Qianxun, a junior world record holder, took bronze. “It was the closest among all the finals that I have played and I think I was a bit lucky too,” Suruchi reflected modestly after her win.
A Beacon for Young Athletes and Indian Women
Suruchi’s story is not just about medals and records—it is about breaking barriers and inspiring a new generation. Her journey highlights the challenges faced by rural athletes, especially young women, in accessing world-class training and resources. Yet, through sheer determination, family sacrifice, and community support, Suruchi has emerged as a role model for aspiring athletes across the country.
Her success has brought pride not only to her hometown of Jhajjar but to the entire nation. Indian shooting officials and sports authorities have hailed her achievement as a turning point for women’s sport in India. Olympian Manu Bhaker, who trained alongside Suruchi, remarked, “Her journey proves that with the right support and mindset, nothing is impossible for Indian girls, no matter where they come from.”
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Suruchi Singh’s meteoric rise from the fields of Jhajjar to the world’s shooting podiums is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of opportunity, discipline, and family support. Her story resonates with millions of Indians who dream of breaking free from limitations imposed by geography or circumstance.
As we celebrate Suruchi’s golden hat-trick, let us reflect on the systems and support networks that enabled her journey—and ask ourselves: How can we ensure that every talented young Indian, regardless of background, receives the mentorship, infrastructure, and encouragement needed to excel? What more can we do, as a society, to empower our daughters and sons to reach for global excellence?
