Shooter Deependra Singh, Who Has Polio, Wins International Gold Medals

Deependra Singh, a resident of Bhatpura village in Sambhal district, has shown that strong determination can overcome physical challenges. Despite having polio in his right leg since childhood, he went on to build a successful career in shooting and win gold medals at the international level. His achievements have made the country proud and turned him into an example for others.

Deependra completed his degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Radha Govind Institute in Chandausi in 2015. However, his interest lay more in sports than in a job. Under the guidance of coach Amit Shyoran, he began rigorous training in shooting. After that, he continued to move forward in the sport without looking back.

His hard work brought him major success on the world stage. In the 2017 Thailand World Cup, Deependra represented the Indian team in the 10-metre air pistol event. He won gold medals in both the individual and team categories.

In the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia, he delivered a strong performance and secured the 7th rank. His achievements continued in 2019, when he won gold at the Sydney World Championship and the Sydney Cup. Through these performances, he established his talent at the international level.

At the France World Cup, Deependra secured a quota for the Tokyo Paralympics. He later finished 10th in the 2021 Paralympics. These results added to his growing list of achievements in international shooting.

Recognising his outstanding performance, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath honoured Deependra in 2022 with the state’s highest sports award, the ‘Laxman Award’.

Deependra is currently working in the Income Tax Department in Mumbai. Despite working in the city, he remains connected to his village. To stay close to his roots and support young talent, he started the RSA Shooting Academy in Bhatpura.

Through the Raina Sports Association, he is providing free shooting training to poor children and young people from the village. His aim is to help more shooters emerge from Bhatpura and win medals for the country at the Olympics.

Deependra Singh is now more than just a shooter. His journey from dealing with polio in his right leg to winning gold medals at international competitions has made him an inspiration for thousands of young people. His work through the academy is also giving children and youth in his village an opportunity to move towards shooting and pursue their sporting ambitions.