Amir Ahmad Bhat, an ex-Army sniper, takes aim at Paralympics medal

As a junior Commissioned Officer in the Indian Army, young Amir Ahmad Bhat's life and career was blossoming.

However, in 2018, during a mission on the Line of Control on the rugged landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, a mine blast put the breaks on his life and Bhat's life took an unexpected turn. 

“I was a sniper in the Army, trained in firing techniques,” Bhat told SAI Media. “When my injury happened, I did not know anything about shooting as a sport.”

The moment that could have defined him by limitation instead became a turning point. Encouraged by a supportive colonel who saw potential beyond his injury, Bhat was invited to try para shooting.

In a remarkably short span, he has gone from a military sniper to a Paralympic athlete.

Rapid progress

By 2022, just two years after starting para shooting, Bhat had already made significant marks on the international stage. He has participated in seven international competitions, winning multiple medals including gold and silver at the Para World Championships.

It was this desire that took Amir Ahmad Bhat to the Paris 2024 Paralympics as well, becoming the first para shooter from the Army and from Jammu & Kashmir to qualify for the quadrennial sports extravaganza.

His recent achievement at the Khelo India Para Games 2025 - a silver in the Mixed 25m Pistol SH1 event - is another milestone in his extraordinary journey. In addition to his silver, Bhat also qualified for the finals of the Men's 50m Pistol SH1, where he finished 8th.

The Indian Army's Marksmanship Unit played a crucial role in his development, providing specialized training and support that is emblematic of the institution's commitment to its soldiers.

“In the Army, it doesn't matter if you're able or disabled,” Bhat emphasized.

“You are given the same respect and opportunities.” This philosophy has been the cornerstone of his transformation, proving that his challenges are not barriers but opportunities for reinvention.

For aspiring athletes facing similar challenges, Amir Ahmad Bhat has a powerful message: "Don't be afraid. Come and shoot. Shooting can become a way of life, a path to reinvention."

As he continues to prepare for future competitions, Bhat’s words resonate with the power of resilience, hope, and the extraordinary potential of the human spirit.