In a monumental moment for Indian shooting, 22-year-old Vijayveer Sidhu etched his name into the history books by securing India’s first-ever gold medal in the 25m Rapid Fire Pistol event at the ISSF World Cup 2025, held in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Sidhu outclassed Italy’s Riccardo Mazzetti in the final with nerves of steel and precision that resonated far beyond the shooting range. With this feat, he not only fulfilled a long-standing personal goal but also set a new benchmark in a discipline where India had long awaited global success.
A Personal Goal Turns Into National Glory
Sidhu’s victory was not just another medal. It was a manifestation of a dream he had quietly scribbled into his diary: “I want to be the first Indian to win a World Cup gold in 25m Rapid Fire.”
This wasn’t a casual ambition—it was a mission. A mission that came to life through relentless effort, months of technical refinement, and deep introspection after his performance in international circuits.
Overcoming Olympic Setbacks with Grit and Growth
At the Paris Olympics, Sidhu had fallen just short of making the final, finishing 9th with a qualification score of 583. That miss was a turning point. He realized that while he had the raw speed and reaction time for rapid fire, his slow-fire shooting was a limiting factor.
Instead of being disheartened, Sidhu took it as a challenge. “I lacked in slow-fire, which is the base of rapid-fire. I knew I had to work on that foundation,” he reflected. From that point on, his training saw a complete overhaul.
A Grueling Training Routine and Artistic Escape
Sidhu spent his days drilling fundamentals under the watchful eye of coach DS Chandel at the Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in Delhi. He doubled down on his slow-fire technique, focusing on stability, breath control, and trigger discipline.
Interestingly, Sidhu’s mental training was as unique as his discipline. In between intense practice sessions, he found calm and clarity in the spiritual and poetic verses of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Ghulam Ali, and Punjabi qawwalis. “It keeps me grounded,” he said, adding that music played a crucial role in managing pressure during competitions.
Twin Support and a Shooting Legacy
Shooting talent runs in the Sidhu household. Vijayveer’s twin brother, Udhayveer Sidhu, is also a high-caliber shooter. Together, the siblings have created a reputation as one of the most formidable duos in Indian shooting.
Their journey, however, has not been without hardship. After losing their father in 2017, the family—originally from Mansa, Punjab—relocated to Mohali. The emotional vacuum left by their father’s absence was filled with relentless focus on their sporting goals. With the encouragement of their mother and tight-knit family support, both brothers have carved out remarkable careers.
The brothers constantly push each other, often turning daily training into healthy, high-stakes competition. “It’s good to have a twin who knows exactly what you’re going through and still challenges you to be better,” Sidhu shared.
India’s Shooting Future Gets a Golden Boost
Sidhu’s gold has reignited excitement in a sport where India has increasingly asserted itself in recent years. But this medal is special—it represents a breakthrough in an event where Indian shooters have historically struggled to reach the top.
With the Paris setback now firmly behind him and the ISSF gold hanging proudly around his neck, Sidhu’s focus remains unwavering. “This is just the beginning,” he said. “The ultimate goal is Olympic gold.”
As India sets its sights on the next Olympic cycle, Vijayveer Sidhu’s name now stands as a symbol of perseverance, precision, and the power of quietly held dreams that one day roar into reality.