Who is Amir Ahmad Bhat? All you need to know about Indian para shooter at Paris 2024 Paralympics
A Junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, Amir Ahmad Bhat is all set to represent India at the Paris 2024 Paralympics in the 25m pistol shooting event. He made the cut for the Paralympics after securing a gold medal at the World Para Shooting Championships in Lima, Peru in September 2023.
Hailing from Damhal, Anantnag, Kashmir, Amir is all set to be the first shooter from the Indian Army to represent India at the Paralympics.
Joining the Indian Army
Being a child, he always used to dream of being in the Indian Air Force. He couldn’t join the Indian Air Force as his finances didn’t help him. However, he decided to join the Indian Army after completing his 12th in 2012. After joining the Army, he developed a passion for knee shooting.
After his impressive performance in the sniping course, he received the highest grade among the 30 snipers selected for the course. He emerged as a sniper in the Army’s commando team for special operations.
Accident in 2018
His life took a sharp turn in 2018 when he met with an accident in a mine, resulting in the loss of multiple bones, as a result, metal plates and bolts were inserted during the surgery.
After his comeback to the Indian Army in 2021, his commanding officer noticed his long-range shooting skills and suggested he compete in the Paralympics. He later switched to a pistol despite never trying pistol shooting before.
Amir Ahmad’s rise to prominence
Amir Ahmad started training in 10m and 25m pistol events, and he secured a silver medal at the Zonal Competition in March 2022. Later, he went on to emerge as the first para shooter of the Indian Army to secure a bronze medal at the World Shooting Para Sports World Cup in Korea in May 2023. He also bagged a team gold medal in Lima, Peru in September 2023.
Subsequently, he clinched a silver medal at the World Shooting Para Sports World Cup 2023 in Croatia in July. Additionally, he won a silver medal in P3 - 25m pistol SH1 event and a bronze medal in P4 - 50m pistol SH1 event at the World Shooting Para Sports World Cup in Korea in April and May 2024.
Amir Ahmad receives support for coaching and equipment from the Indian Army. However, he will receive support in psychology, physiotherapy, and nutrition from the Reliance Foundation.