Jaipur, Dec 5: For most athletes, defending a title is a matter of form, rhythm, and preparation. But for Lovely Professional University's Sartaj Tiwana, defending his Men's 50m Rifle 3-Position gold medal at the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 became a deeply personal battle-one fought as much in the mind as on the shooting range.
The 23-year-old entered Jaipur with a clear mission: reclaim his focus, rediscover his competitive rhythm, and put behind a difficult year overshadowed by his father's prolonged illness. At the Jagatpura Shooting Range, Sartaj did exactly that, producing a composed and clinical performance to retain his title and also steer LPU to team gold in the event.
A Win Manifested Through Struggle
"Today's result was something I manifested from the
past," Sartaj told SAI Media after his victory. "I was undergoing a lot of changes. It's encouraging to have a milestone like this ahead of the national championships. This was my fourth time at the University Games, and I have always been on the podium-I didn't want to break my streak. "
That streak-and this comeback-carry much deeper significance when one considers what the shooter has endured over the last year.
A Year Marked by Fear, Fatigue, and a Fight for Normalcy
In July 2024, Sartaj's life changed overnight when his father, Kultej, was placed on a ventilator with pneumonitis and later developed a rare case of chicken pox in the lungs. The severity of the illness forced the shooter to leave the National Centre of Excellence at Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range, New Delhi, and return home to Mohali.
Training became irregular. Focus became fleeting. Watching his father in a critical state drained him emotionally, and the mental exhaustion seeped into his performances.
"I was not able to practice regularly, and when I did, my mind was always with my father," he shared earlier. "It was a challenge to even concentrate on shooting. "
The family's medical expenses mounted, and Sartaj had to rely on his Khelo India scholarship to keep his training going. He missed several competitions, further delaying momentum during what should have been a crucial qualification phase for the upcoming season.
A Career of Promise Interrupted-but Not Derailed
Before this turbulent year, Sartaj was one of India's most consistent rising shooters. Having picked up the sport in boarding school, he climbed steadily through the ranks, earning: Asian Championship silver (2023), Fourth place at the World Championships (2023), and Bronze at the World University Games (2023).
With cousin and Olympian Arjun Singh Cheema as inspiration, Sartaj was on a promising trajectory toward senior international breakthroughs-until his father's illness halted everything.
A Renewed Mind Ahead of a Crucial Season
Now, with his father recovering and his confidence restored, Sartaj views this KIUG performance as a turning point. The Senior National Championships later this month will kickstart the selection process for the 2026 Asian Games, and Sartaj hopes this victory marks the beginning of his resurgence.
"Khelo India University Games was a stiff test of my preparations, and I came out with flying colours," he said. "I am the kind of guy who keeps on grinding regardless of the result. Everybody goes through different phases, and I have been through one such phase. But now it's all sorted out, and I hope to do well in the future. "
For Sartaj, the gold medal in Jaipur is not just another victory-it is proof that resilience can triumph over the toughest of personal storms.
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