Niraj Kumar: The Hunger, Discipline and Belief Behind an Asian Games Journey

In the latest episode of Reliance Foundation’s Safar Champions Ka, Niraj Kumar retraces the journey that took him from his school shooting range to the international stage, remembering the family, teachers and coaches who believed in him and the relentless mindset that continues to drive him forward.

For Niraj Kumar, shooting is not simply a sport. It is a journey built on discipline, consistency and an unwavering refusal to give up. A 50m 3 Positions shooter and two-time World Championship team medallist, Niraj earned his place at the Asian Games after years of persistence, beginning his journey with limited facilities and a belief that he could go further.

“I am a 50 metre 3 Positions shooter. I am a two-time World Championship team medallist, and now I have been selected for the Asian Games,” Niraj says in the Reliance Foundation Sports film Shooting, Meditation and A Hunger for Greatness.

His journey began at the school where he first picked up shooting. Looking back, Niraj credits the institution for playing a major role in shaping his career. “This is the place where I started my journey in shooting. Wherever I am today is because of this school,” he says.

His teachers remember the dedication he showed from the very beginning. One teacher recalls how Niraj would give his all whenever he went for shooting, eventually becoming the only student from the school to progress from the national level to the international stage. “As a teacher, the happiness and pride I feel is very difficult to express,” she says.

His father, Major Ravindra Singh of the JAK Rifles, remembers a time when he hoped his son would focus on academics. “I wanted him to study well, but he would say, ‘Papa, I want to do shooting. This is my B.Tech, this is my M.Tech. This is what I will do,’” he recalls.

Niraj’s determination eventually became impossible to ignore, as he continued winning medals through NCC and progressing in the sport.
The early years were far from easy.

Niraj began training at a basic open range with virtually no facilities. “I used to shoot 10 shots, then get up, go and see the target, replace it, come back, wear the jacket again and lie down. Then I would shoot again,” he recalls.

For Niraj, every improvement in his surroundings became another reason to push himself. His preparation today begins long before a competition, covering ammunition selection, technical corrections, competition planning and mental preparation.

Yet his biggest strength may be his ability to stay grounded through both victories and setbacks. His coach says Niraj never allows either failure or success to overwhelm him. Win or lose, the next day means returning to practice.

That consistency is crucial in shooting, where every international competition is another opportunity to prove yourself. “You have to perform well every day,” Niraj says. “If you lose focus somewhere, someone else will get selected. You don’t get another chance.”
Reliance Foundation has also been an important part of his recent journey. Niraj joined Reliance in 2023 and says his progress has continued upwards since then.

His philosophy remains simple: “Whatever happens in life, whatever the situation is, just be positive. If it isn’t happening today, it’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and when a new day comes, it is a new beginning.”

And behind all the medals, training and competition lies one driving purpose: “Somewhere, I just want to do something for the country.”
For Niraj Kumar, the journey is still being written, one shot, one day and one new beginning at a time.