How Did LPU’s Sartaj Tiwana Overcome Challenges to Retain 50m Rifle 3P Gold?
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Synopsis
Sartaj Tiwana, a determined shooter from LPU, overcame personal challenges to secure gold in the 50m Rifle 3P at the Khelo India University Games, showcasing resilience and focus. His journey highlights the intersection of mental health and sports performance, inspiring many as he prepares for the upcoming Senior National Championships.
Key Takeaways
- Sartaj Tiwana shows resilience despite personal challenges.
- He emphasizes the significance of mental health in sports.
- His journey highlights the impact of family on an athlete’s performance.
- The Khelo India University Games served as a critical platform for his success.
- Preparation for the 2026 Asian Games is now his focus.
Jaipur, Dec 5 (NationPress) Sartaj Tiwana arrived in Jaipur with a strong resolve to conquer the mental fatigue that has plagued him for over a year due to his father's health issues and to defend his title at the Khelo India University Games. The final-year Master's student in Public Administration at Lovely Professional University recognized that the Khelo India University Games Rajasthan 2025 might be his last chance to regain his competitive edge before the Senior National Shooting Championships. The 23-year-old not only succeeded in clinching the Men’s 50m Rifle 3-position gold but also contributed to his university's team gold at the Jagatpura Shooting Range.
“Today’s outcome was something I visualized from my past because I have been experiencing a lot of transitions. Achieving this milestone ahead of the national championships is truly uplifting. This was my fourth participation in the university games, and I have consistently stood on the podium; breaking that streak was not an option,” Sartaj shared with SAI Media.
Starting his shooting journey in boarding school, Sartaj has shown remarkable consistency on both national and international platforms, earning a silver medal at the Asian Championship in 2023, a fourth-place finish at the World Championships in 2023, and a bronze at the World University Games in 2023.
However, Sartaj faced a major setback in July last year when his father, Kultej, was placed on a ventilator due to pneumonitis, followed by an unusual case of chickenpox in the lungs. This incident forced Sartaj to leave the National Centre of Excellence at Dr. Karni Singh Shooting Range in New Delhi and return to Mohali to care for his father's recovery.
Witnessing his father’s deteriorating condition mentally drained Sartaj, impacting his training and performance. His practice sessions were infrequent, and even when he managed to shoot, his thoughts were consumed by his father's health. The mental exhaustion made it increasingly difficult for him to focus on shooting.
Despite these trying circumstances, Sartaj continued his training, supported by his Khelo India scholarship, as his family was heavily investing in his father's recovery. Although he missed several competitions, his determination to make a strong comeback at KIUG 2025 remained unwavering.
With his father's health improving, Sartaj is now working on clearing his mind and prioritizing both his mental and physical health as he prepares for the upcoming selection of the Indian team for the 2026 Asian Games, with the Senior Nationals taking place later this month.
The Khelo India University Games 2025 served as a significant test of his preparations, and he emerged victorious.
“I am someone who perseveres regardless of the outcome… Everyone experiences different phases, and I have navigated through one such phase. But now, everything is in order, and I look forward to performing well in the future,” he concluded.
Point of View
It's vital to highlight stories of resilience like Sartaj Tiwana's. His determination not only exemplifies the spirit of sportsmanship but also sheds light on the importance of mental health in athletics. It's a reminder that the journey of an athlete is often shaped by personal struggles, and such narratives deserve recognition.
NationPress
20/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What challenges did Sartaj Tiwana face during his training?
Sartaj faced significant mental exhaustion due to his father's serious health issues, which affected his practice schedules and focus.
What achievements has Sartaj Tiwana accomplished in shooting?
Sartaj has won multiple medals, including a silver at the Asian Championship, a fourth place at the World Championships, and a bronze at the World University Games in 2023.
How did Sartaj manage to train while caring for his father?
Despite the challenges, Sartaj continued his training with the support of his Khelo India scholarship while managing family responsibilities.
What does Sartaj aim for after winning at KIUG?
Sartaj aims to maintain his focus on mental and physical health while preparing for the Senior National Championships and selection for the 2026 Asian Games.
How does Sartaj view the importance of mental health in sports?
Sartaj believes that mental health is crucial for performance and emphasizes the need to clear the mind to achieve success in sports.
