Hubballi's para shooter aims for global glory
Hubballi: Rakesh N Nidagundi, a para shooter from Hubballi, will represent India at the World Shooting Para Sport (WSPS) event in Changwon, South Korea, starting May 28. Hailing from Kalghatagi, Rakesh has won 27 medals, including 11 gold, since 2019.
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His consistent performance earned him a spot on the Indian team, marking him as the first para shooter from the state to achieve this honour. He also impressed at the Paralympic Games India.
Rakesh was born in 1988 into a middle-class agricultural family. His father is Nagappa and his mother is Shankarevva. Despite facing challenges related to physical mobility, he completed bachelor's degree in fine arts. Nidagundi suffered from a polio reaction in his childhood.
Born in Kuruvinakoppa, Kalghatagi taluk, he studied in a rural setting. In 2019, he started learning shooting at Hubli Sports Shooting Academy.
Later, he was selected for the National Centres of Excellence, Delhi, in 2023.
Nidagundi told TOI that he is working hard for the World Cup. He dreamed of representing his country, and now the time has come to prove himself. His family is supporting him. In addition to his achievements in sports, his journey into professional shooting began when a a coach, inspired him by sharing insights about sports for individuals with disabilities.
This encouragement motivated him to pursue a career in shooting.
He wishes to become a world-class rifle shooter and represent India at the highest levels of competitive shooting.
Ravichandra Balehosur, a coach at Hubli Sports Shooting Academy, said they are hoping that Rakesh will win a medal for the country, as he is a hard worker with a positive attitude and has won many medals at the national level. He was with their academy for four years and has travelled around the country. "We wish him great success," he expressed.
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