Ex-Army sniper Amir targets Paralympics medal

On the rugged landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, Amir Ahmad Bhat's story is a testament to his determination. Starting off as a Junior Commissioned Officer from the Indian Army, Bhat's life took an unexpected turn during a mission on the Line of Control in 2018 when he sustained a severe injury from a mine blast that could have ended his life.

- FPJ News Service

But the 30-year-old sharpshooter 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 J&K 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."