Ex-Army sniper Amir aims for paralympic glory after KIPG 2025 silver

New Delhi, Mar 27: Once a sniper on the Line of Control, now a rising star in para shooting—Amir Ahmad Bhat’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. The 30-year-old from Anantnag, who lost his leg in a mine blast during an Army mission in 2018, has defied all odds to become a Paralympic shooter.

As per a press release issued, the 30-year-old sharp-shooter from Anantnag, who won silver in the Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 event at the ongoing Khelo India Para Games, did not let this deter him from returning to the line of fire. It was this desire that took Amir Ahmad Bhat to the Paris 2024 Paralympics as well, becoming the first para shooter from the Army and from Jammu & Kashmir to qualify for the quadrennial sports extravaganza.

“I was a sniper in the Army, trained in firing techniques,” Bhat told SAI Media. “When my injury happened, I did not know anything about shooting as a sport.”

The moment that could have defined him by limitation instead became a turning point. Encouraged by a supportive colonel who saw potential beyond his injury, Bhat was invited to try para shooting.

In a remarkably short span, he has gone from a military sniper to a Paralympic athlete. By 2022, just two years after starting para shooting, Bhat had already made significant marks on the international stage. He has participated in seven international competitions, winning multiple medals, including gold and silver at the Para World Championships.

His recent achievement at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 is another milestone in his extraordinary journey. In addition to his silver, Bhat also qualified for the finals of the Men's 50m Pistol SH1, where he finished 8th.

The Indian Army's Marksmanship Unit played a crucial role in his development, providing specialised training and support that is emblematic of the institution's commitment to its soldiers.

“In the Army, it doesn't matter if you're able or disabled,” Bhat emphasised. “You are given the same respect and opportunities.” This philosophy has been the cornerstone of his

transformation, proving that his challenges are not barriers but opportunities for reinvention.

For aspiring athletes facing similar challenges, Amir Ahmad Bhat has a powerful message: "Don't be afraid. Come and shoot. Shooting can become a way of life, a path to reinvention." As he continues to prepare for future competitions, Bhat’s words resonate with the power of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary potential of the human spirit.

Khelo India Para Games is part of the Khelo India mission to provide a platform for talented athletes to showcase their sporting and competitive skills. The 1st edition of Khelo India Para Games, held in December 2023, was organised to enable para athletes to showcase their talent at the national level. The inaugural Games were played in seven sports disciplines across three venues in New Delhi. The second edition of KIPG, being held at three venues in the capital between March 20-27, 2025, is being conducted across six sports.