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The Print
16-07-2025
- Sport
- The Print
IPS officer won shooting gold at World Police Games. Army dreams broke, Olympic aim alive
A 2011-batch IPS officer, Singh works as Joint Director General at the Competition Commission of India. But once office hours end, it's all about hitting the bullseye. The obsession began when he was seven and his father gifted him a rifle. Through his training at the National Defence Academy, the Indian Military Academy, and finally into the Indian Police Service, shooting has been the one constant— even through years of major personal setbacks. 'I practised for two hours every day in my hotel room. It was a 75-minute-long competition where I fired 60 shots. This gold medal is just one step closer to my Olympic dreams,' said Singh, gesturing toward the indoor shooting range set up in the backyard of his Delhi residence. New Delhi: In his hotel room in the US, 41-year-old IPS officer Ingit Pratap Singh taped a target to the wall, picked up his rifle, and began dry firing. It was his quick jugaad after the range where he was supposed to practise for the World Police Games was shut. He went on to win gold at the 10-metre air rifle event in Birmingham, Alabama, earlier this month. Now he's setting his sights on even bigger targets. 'Shooting is my childhood passion which inspired me to join the forces. But when fate didn't allow me to wear olive green, I moved to khaki,' said Singh, who could not join the Army due to multiple health complications. 'The goal was set in childhood, but my training shaped me throughout the years for this.' His gold at the World Police Games follows a bronze at the same event in 2023. Now, he's preparing for the National Shooting Championship Competitions, slated for November or December. When he's not at work, the new father follows a gruelling training regimen. 'I live a boring life to achieve this dream. I skip family functions, give very limited time to my family, and spend most of my free time on the shooting range,' said Singh, holding his 6-month-old daughter. 'I practise a minimum of two hours every day, and on weekends it expands to 8 hours.' But the IPS officer with Olympic ambitions came to competitive shooting only a few years ago. Also Read: Cop by day, writer of thrillers & researcher by night, who is Maharashtra IPS officer Brijesh Singh One dream ends, another begins Ingit Pratap Singh's shooting dream began on the roof of his childhood home. Every day, he and his father, an IRS officer, would line up Dalda dabbas and practise firing at them. But there were no facilities to pursue shooting competitively at school, and so he took up other sports such as hockey, cricket, and volleyball. The rifle stayed in the background, but it was still his first love, and he was always certain he'd join a uniformed service. Everything was going to plan until a series of unexpected blows. 'I joined NDA in 2001, but after seven months of training, I got some health issues due to which I had to leave midway,' said Singh. He returned to Delhi, completed his graduation, and once again pursued the armed services, this time by joining the Indian Military Academy in 2003. But his luck failed him again. He developed abdominal TB and had to leave training once more. After recovering from that, he rejoined, but tore his knee ligament. It was at this point that he decided to pivot to the civil services. 'It was the most difficult time for me. I kept thinking, why is this happening to me? I took a break and prepared for UPSC. My first choice was the Indian Foreign Service, but I got Indian Police Service. I think I was meant for khaki,' said Singh. From there, things began to turn around. In 2011, during his IPS training at the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration, he broke a 17-year-old record in high jump. 'The record was set by one IPS officer from Punjab. I jumped 1.60 metres and broke the record—it's still there,' Singh added. Singh threw himself into every sport during IPS training, but the shooting range was where he felt most at home. At the National Police Academy, trainees practised in pairs, teaching each other. The partner Singh trained went on to become the best shooter in the batch. 'We were buddies in training, and Ingit was my shooting teacher. He is the most disciplined person. He taught me so well,' recalled Singh's batchmate, who didn't want to be named. 'We used to feel bad when we didn't perform well, and before each shooting session, we were always excited and talking about it.' Also Read: A Tamil IPS officer is transforming sports in Bihar. From shame to pride Passion, practice, and policing The back garden of Singh's home now houses a shooting range, where his shoes, rifles, and gear are always ready for him. He spends at least two hours in the morning and two in the evening practising there, and more when a competition is near. But it was only in 2015, during a posting to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, that he found the time to return to shooting properly. He set up a small range and began practising regularly with an air pistol again. He hasn't stopped since. 'When I was later posted as DCP South West Delhi, I didn't stop shooting. I used to finish my official duties and then practise at my residence,' he said. In 2022, he decided to take the next step: professional training. Nothing but the best would do. Despite being based in Delhi, he signed up at an academy in Panvel, Maharashtra, run by Suma Shirur, who had competed at the 2004 Olympics. 'I talked to a friend about it. He got me connected to Suma Shirur ma'am. One has to complete a 22–24 session programme, which takes a year. I completed 15–16 sessions,' said Singh. It meant a hectic travel schedule. Singh would take a flight out to attend classes at Lakshya Shooting Club in Panvel on weekends and then return to Delhi to continue his official duties during the week. His dedication stood out, said Smita Kamble, head coach at Lakshya Shooting Club. 'Shirur ma'am used to train him, and later he practised under me. When he was in Delhi, he would send pictures and videos of his posture and practice, and I used to guide him from here. Now we are focusing on the upcoming nationals,' she added. Once the formal training started, so did the competitions. Singh won a silver medal at the Delhi State Shooting Championship in 2022. Through it all, his wife Shweta helped him stay on track. The couple have fixed strict timings for everything. 'Our daughter is six months old, so I give her at least one hour a day. We only go out once a month on weekends. I know it is a boring life, but I have to be disciplined to achieve the dream,' said Singh, as his wife nodded beside him in their living room, where all his medals are framed on the wall. Singh's Olympic obsession runs deep. He even named his dog 'Rio' after the Rio Olympics. 'I grew up watching the Olympic Games, and in my childhood, I used to think that one day I would also go there. When someone asked me how old I was, I used to say I'm 10 Olympics old,' said Singh, while showing childhood photos of himself holding a rifle. So far, Singh has borne most of the expenses of his shooting journey himself. For the recent World Police Games, he found one sponsor who covered half the trip's costs. He's hoping to get full sponsorship eventually. For now, he's grateful that his current posting gives him enough room to keep up with his training schedule. 'The department has supported me. My seniors didn't assign me more responsibilities beyond my official ones. I asked for this deputation because in this post, I get proper weekends and national holidays. I'll need more time for nationals,' said Singh. In the thick of preparations for competitions, his practice can stretch to eight hours a day. 'All this is part of the journey. My final destination is the Olympics, and to reach there, I will have to achieve many milestones,' said Singh, flashing his gold medal. (Edited by Asavari Singh)
Fashion Value Chain
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Fashion Value Chain
India's First Woman Cyclist to Win 5 Bronze Medals at World Police Games – A Triumph of Vision and Grit Supported by M3M Foundation
In a landmark moment for Indian sports, Ruchika Singh has become the first woman cyclist from India to win five medals at the prestigious World Police and Fire Games 2025 in Alabama, USA. Competing in five gruelling categories-Road Race, Time Trial, Sprint, Hill Climb, and Circuit Race-Ruchika clinched a bronze medal in each, marking a historic achievement for Indian cycling and women in uniform. India's First Woman Cyclist to Win 5 Bronze Medals at World Police Games – A Triumph of Vision and Grit Supported by M3M Foundation Behind her journey is the vision of Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee M3M Foundation and the force behind the 'Lakshya' Programme-a flagship initiative designed to support exceptional talent in sports, arts, and education. 'The Lakshya Programme is our commitment to enabling Indias youth to rise to their fullest potential' said Dr. Kanodia. 'Ruchika's story is not just about winning medals; its about the power of perseverance and providing the right platform at the right time.' Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee M3M Foundation Ruchika, who transitioned from boxing to cycling in 2018, comes from a humble background steeped in discipline and service. A constable in the UP Police and the daughter of public servants, her rise exemplifies the transformative potential of targeted support and opportunity. Dr. Kanodia envisions the Lakshya Programme as a launchpad for many more such trailblazers, especially women, who are redefining excellence on global stages. 'At M3M Foundation, we are investing in stories like Ruchika's-stories of talent, resilience, and hope,' she added. Ruchika's triumph is a win for every aspiring athlete in India.
Hans India
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Hans India
World Police Games: TTD chief pats VGOs for winning medals
Tirumala: TTD VGOs Surendra and Ram Kumar, who won gold and bronze medals in the recently held World Police Games in the USA, on Saturday called on Chairman B R Naidu at the latter's camp office in Tirumala l The TTD Chairman congratulated the two security officers on their success, and beholding the reputation of TTD.
Time of India
07-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
UP woman constable bags 5 medals, including 2 gold, at World Police & Fire Games
Meerut: Riya Verma, a 24-year-old constable with the UP Police, has made waves on the world stage, winning five medals, including two gold, in swimming at the World Police and Fire Games (WPFG) held in Birmingham, USA, from June 27 to July 6. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In her first international victory, she clinched two golds in freestyle relay events, two silvers in the 50m and 100m breaststroke, and a bronze in the mixed medley. Speaking to TOI from the US, Verma said, "My dream is to win an Olympic medal for India. That feeling would be beyond words." She credited her father, a swimming coach, for her success saying, "I began swimming in a small local pool when I was in Class 8. My father taught me everything. He's been my biggest support." She also thanked her school coach, Ramanand Rai and added that marriage isn't on her mind for now. Verma joined UP Police in 2023 and is currently posted in Saharanpur. With her return to India scheduled for Tuesday, her overjoyed family left for Delhi on Monday to give her a grand welcome. "She has made us very proud, and we are thrilled with her success," said her father, Rajeev Verma. "Since she loves to travel, I've planned a surprise trip to her favourite destination. I can't wait to see her." Saharanpur SSP Ashish Tiwari congratulated her, saying, "Her achievement has made us proud. Sports not only build personality but also foster teamwork, which is crucial for effective policing. We must encourage more participation in sports." Verma completed her schooling at Central School, Hapur, and graduated from Chaudhary Charan Singh University, Meerut. She is the eldest of three siblings. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Her younger sister is a swimming coach at a private school in Noida, and her brother is also an aspiring swimmer. In the past, UP Police DSP Anuj Kumar Chaudhary, who won silver in wrestling at the 2003 World Police Games, went on to compete in the 2004 Athens Olympics. Punjab Police DSP Avneet Kaur Sidhu, a four-time medallist at the 2017 World Police Games, including one gold, also represented India at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in rifle shooting. Former CRPF DIG Khajan Singh Tokas, who won silver in the 100m butterfly at the 1988 World Police Games, also competed in the Seoul Olympics the same year. The WPFG is a biennial Olympic-style competition for law enforcement, firefighters, and first responders, governed by the California Police Athletic Federation, the WPFG board, and the host city. India ranked third in the overall medals tally with 568 medals, including 276 gold. The US topped the list with 1,268 medals (536 gold), followed by Brazil with 723 (260 gold). Athletes from the UP Police secured the highest medal tally for India, winning 95 medals including 45 gold, 34 silver, and 16 bronze.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
MP's Reena wins 2 karate silver medals at World Police Games in US
Bhopal: MP Police constable Reena Gurjar clinched two karate silver medals at the World Police Games in Birmingham, USA, building upon her previous year's achievement of two gold medals. Reena showcased outstanding performance in both Kata and Kumite events. In Kumite, she triumphed over Brazilian officer Alencar before falling to the Philippines' officer Bejeramo in the final bout. Talking to TOI, Reena shared her initial expectations: "I won the gold medal last year by defeating a player from the Philippines, but this year I had to settle for silver. I will try my best to win the gold medal again next year." Her Kata performance saw her progress to the finals after defeating a South Korean competitor in the semi-finals, resulting in another silver medal. Hailing from Rajgarh, Reena received training at the MP Martial Arts Academy between 2009 and 2012. "The academy did wonders for me. Whatever I learned from there helped me reach such a height. I am also a coach there now," she reflected. She attributes her success to family backing and commitment: "Whatever I am able to do today, I am able to do it only because of my family and discipline. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với sàn môi giới tin cậy IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo My mother and my sister supported me a lot. Apart from this, I always maintained discipline in sports and practice." Reena acknowledged academy support. "Without the support of the department, it was not possible to win this medal. The sports department has given me all kinds of support. The DGP and Director Sports have been very supportive to me." Her initial karate coaching came from Coach Jaidev Sharma during her academy tenure. "I can claim that the facilities being provided by the academy are some of the best available facilities in the country," she stated. Having secured around 15 gold medals in national events, Reena maintains her focus on upcoming competitions after her World Police Games achievement. "I believe in performing wherever I play. I will keep doing that," she affirmed.
