Shekhawat congratulates Rajasthan's Rahul Sharma on para shooting world record gold
Synopsis
Rajasthan's Rahul Sharma won gold with a world record in the 10m Air Pistol SH1 event at the 2026 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Serbia. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat publicly congratulated the para shooter, calling the achievement a moment of national pride.
Key Takeaways
Rahul Sharma of Rajasthan won gold in the 10m Air Pistol Standard (SH1) event at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2026 in Serbia .
Sharma set a world record in the process, marking a global benchmark in his classification.
Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat publicly congratulated Sharma on 28 July 2026 .
Shekhawat described the performance as 'a moment of pride for the nation' and extended best wishes to the athlete.
The SH1 classification covers para athletes with full use of their shooting arm but limited lower-body function.
A shooter from Rajasthan has etched his name in the record books. Rahul Sharma claimed gold in the 10m Air Pistol Standard (SH1) event at the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2026 in Serbia — and he did it with a world record. Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat was among the first to publicly celebrate the feat on Tuesday, 28 July 2026.
Shekhawat, who represents Jodhpur in Lok Sabha, posted his congratulations in Hindi, calling the performance 'aap ka yeh apratim pradarshan desh ke liye gaurav ka kshan hai' — 'this extraordinary performance of yours is a moment of pride for the nation.' The minister specifically noted that Sharma hails from Rajasthan, underscoring the home-state connection that makes the achievement resonate locally.
A world record in Serbia's shooting range
The SH1 classification covers athletes who have full use of their shooting arm but limited function in their legs or lower body — competitors who shoot standing, kneeling, or from a wheelchair. Winning gold in this category at a World Cup is a significant marker on the road to Paralympic qualification and global ranking. Setting a world record in the process elevates the result from a podium finish to a benchmark for every shooter in the discipline worldwide.
Para shooting's rising profile in India
Indian para shooters have steadily built a reputation on the international circuit over the past decade, with the sport drawing growing institutional attention following strong Paralympic performances. Congratulatory posts by senior ministers — particularly those with a home-state connection to the athlete — have become a visible part of how India's political establishment signals investment in para sports, even when formal policy follow-through varies. Shekhawat's post fits that pattern, but the world-record detail gives it genuine weight beyond routine felicitation.
For Rahul Sharma, the gold and the record in Belgrade are a statement of intent. The next question is whether the performance translates into a Paralympic berth — and whether the recognition from New Delhi's corridors follows with something more tangible than a tweet.
Point of View
More competitive pride. Whether that visibility translates into structured support for Sharma's Paralympic campaign will be the real test.
NationPress
28 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Rahul Sharma the para shooter?
Rahul Sharma is a para shooter from Rajasthan, India, who competes in the 10m Air Pistol SH1 category. He won gold with a world record at the 2026 World Shooting Para Sport World Cup in Serbia.
What is the SH1 classification in para shooting?
SH1 is a para shooting classification for athletes who have full use of their shooting arm but limited function in their legs or lower body. Competitors may shoot standing, kneeling, or from a wheelchair.
What did Gajendra Singh Shekhawat say about Rahul Sharma?
Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat congratulated Rahul Sharma on winning gold with a world record, calling the performance 'a moment of pride for the nation' and extending best wishes to the athlete.
Where was the World Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2026 held?
The World Shooting Para Sport World Cup 2026 was held in Serbia.
What is Gajendra Singh Shekhawat's political role?
Gajendra Singh Shekhawat is the Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, a senior BJP leader, and the Lok Sabha MP from Jodhpur, Rajasthan.
