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From the serene village of Damhāl in Kokernag (in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir) to the very summit of the world rankings in para-shooting, Amir Ahmad Bhat’s story is one of grit, resilience, patriotism and triumph. He has not only brought glory to himself and his family but also kindled pride across India.
Born in 1994 in Damhāl, Amir grew up in a remote village about 12 km from the Anantnag district headquarters. He completed his 10th standard at Government High School, Damhāl, followed by 11th and 12th at Government Higher Secondary School, Dalgām. In 2012, driven by a sense of service and adventure, he took part in a rally of the Jammu & Kashmir Light Infantry and was recruited as a soldier.
While performing duty in 2018 at Rajouri, Amir suffered a severe injury to his leg. The road ahead for him seemed uncertain, but his spirit was unbowed. After a period of treatment and recovery, he returned to active service—this time with a new focus. In 2021, he took part in trials for the Army’s marksmanship unit in Indore-Mahu and excelled.
Amir’s determination bore fruit when he competed in the WSPS World Cup 2025 (held in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates between 25 October and 2 November). He captured the gold medal in the Mixed 25 metre Sport Pistol event (P3) and claimed bronze in the Mixed 10 metre Standard Pistol. On the strength of his performance, he amassed 721.55 points and overtook shooters from major countries like South Korea, China and the USA to become world‐number one in the SH1 category of Mixed 25 metre Pistol. In doing so, he became the first Indian to reach the top ranking in that para-pistol category.
The achievement is a landmark not just for Amir, but for India’s para-shooting fraternity. The Army’s Sports & Adventure Wing described his ascent as a milestone in the nation’s para-shooting legacy. His success strengthens India’s medal prospects in upcoming global events. In his own words, Amir said he feels “happy to become world number one” and acknowledged the support of the Army, his coaches, sports authorities and his family. He declared that his next major goal is to win gold at the Paralympics.
Coming from Jammu & Kashmir—a region that has seen its share of challenges Amir’s rise is emblematic of the potential hidden in every Indian citizen, especially from remote areas. His commitment to serve in the Army, even after injury, exemplifies patriotism. Its echoes are even stronger when he picks up his pistol: he is representing not only himself but his village, his state and his country. His story inspires countless young sportspersons in India, and particularly in Kashmir, to dream big and to believe that with discipline and courage, those dreams can become reality.
Amir now turns his focus to the next major challenge: the Paralympics. With world-number-one status behind him, he has set the gold medal as his aim. If he succeeds, it will not just be another medal it will be a victory of hope, of possibility, and of Indian spirit rising against odds.
For his village of Damhāl, for Jammu & Kashmir, for the Indian Army, and for the country as a whole, Amir Ahmad Bhat’s journey is a shining example of what perseverance, service and aspiration together can achieve.