Gurjoat Singh Khangura: The 31-Year-Old National Champ Who Gave Up Christmas for Skeet Glory

'No Christmas for me': National champ at 31, Gurjoat has just begun | Exclusive

For most of us, Christmas is a time for family, feasts, and festive cheer. For Gurjoat Singh Khangura, it was just another day on the range. “There is no Christmas for me,” he says with a quiet intensity that belies his 31 years. And that relentless discipline has just paid off in the most spectacular way possible: a maiden national championship title in skeet shooting .

At the 68th National Shooting Shotgun Championship in New Delhi, Gurjoat Singh Khangura didn’t just win—he announced his arrival on the Indian shooting scene as a serious force to be reckoned with. His victory is a powerful reminder that success in sport isn’t always about early prodigies; sometimes, it’s about the patient, resilient late-bloomer who refuses to quit. This is the story of Gurjoat Singh Khangura, a man whose journey to the top has only just begun.

Table of Contents

Who is Gurjoat Singh Khangura? From Setbacks to National Glory

Gurjoat’s path to the national podium wasn’t paved with easy wins. The past year was a rollercoaster of technical overhauls and frustrating setbacks. Skeet shooting, a discipline that demands millisecond precision and absolute mental calm, is unforgiving of inconsistency. He had to rebuild his technique from the ground up—a painstaking process that tested his patience and resolve .

“It’s been a tough year,” he admits. “I changed my technique completely. There were days when nothing worked, and I questioned everything.” But through it all, his discipline never wavered. He credits his newfound maturity for his ability to stay the course. “At this age, you understand your body and your mind better. You don’t panic. You trust the process,” he explains .

The 68th National Shooting Championship: A Defining Moment

The championship in Delhi was the ultimate test. Facing a field of seasoned competitors and rising stars, Gurjoat held his nerve. The competition in Indian skeet shooting has never been fiercer, with the bar for excellence rising every year . His victory wasn’t a fluke; it was the culmination of months of grueling, focused work.

Winning his first national title at 31 is a significant milestone, not just for his confidence but for his career trajectory. In a sport where international selection often hinges on consistent domestic performance, this gold medal is his golden ticket.

Why “There is No Christmas” for Gurjoat: The Sacrifice Behind the Success

Gurjoat’s now-famous quote, “There is no Christmas for me,” is a window into the life of a world-class athlete. While the rest of the world celebrates, elite shooters like him are locked in a cycle of training, recovery, and mental preparation. His schedule is brutal and unwavering.

This level of sacrifice is the norm for India’s top shooters, a group that has brought immense pride to the nation on the Olympic stage. For context, the International Olympic Committee’s official page on shooting details the intense demands of the sport, from its history to its modern-day challenges.

Gurjoat Singh Khangura and the Rise of Indian Skeet Shooting

Gurjoat’s emergence is part of a larger, exciting trend: the rapid professionalization and growth of shotgun shooting in India. Once a niche discipline overshadowed by rifle and pistol events, skeet is now producing world-class talent. The competition at the national level is so high that winning it is a feat comparable to an international podium finish .

This is a direct result of increased investment from bodies like the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), better coaching, and a new generation of athletes who see shotgun sports as a viable path to global glory.

The Road Ahead: Asian Games, World Cups, and Beyond

For Gurjoat Singh Khangura, the national title is just the starting point. His eyes are firmly set on the international stage. “This gold is a big boost for my confidence, and for selection,” he states clearly . His immediate goals are concrete and ambitious:

  • Asian Games 2026: A key target where a medal would cement his status as an Asian elite.
  • ISSF World Cups: Regular competition on this circuit is essential to gain ranking points and international experience.
  • Olympic Qualification: The ultimate dream for any Indian shooter, and a goal that now feels within reach.

His journey is a powerful inspiration. It proves that it’s never too late to rewrite your story, that maturity can be a greater asset than raw youth, and that sometimes, the most successful athletes are the ones who are willing to skip Christmas for a shot at glory.

Conclusion

Gurjoat Singh Khangura’s story is more than a sports headline; it’s a masterclass in perseverance. At 31, he’s not a fading veteran but a champion on the cusp of his prime. His national title is a testament to his discipline, his resilience through setbacks, and his unwavering belief in a dream that’s still unfolding. As he sets his sights on the Asian Games and beyond, the Indian shooting community has a thrilling new hero to rally behind—a man who truly believes his journey has just begun.

Sources

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