Shooter Jadhav, Satara farmer's son, taking steady strides

In the small village of Bhakarwadi, nestled in Satara, where fewer than a thousand people live, the biggest ambition for most was a good harvest. But Kiran Jadhav wasn't one to follow the script.

- Saumya Jain

MUMBAI:

On Sunday, Jadhav, the reigning men's 50m rifle 3 positions national champion, secured gold in the air rifle open event at the 15th RR Lakshya Cup, held at the Karnala Sports Academy in Panvel. The 29-year-old finished with 251.7 points in the final among a field that comprised multiple Olympians. His last 12 shots, all between 10.4 and 10.8, reflected his focus and precision in high-pressure moments.

"I never imagined that a farmer's son like me could achieve this," Jadhav said. "I still remember my first weapon—it was bought with money borrowed from my uncle, neighbours and friends. When I think about how we lived then, toiling day and night with little return, it pushes me to work harder."