Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve never planned to become a shooter. When he joined the Indian Army in 2018, his goals were simple: get a stable job, support his farming family and serve the country. Shooting was not even part of his plans. Today, the 27-year-old Naib Subedar of the 27 Madras Regiment is preparing to represent India at the 2026 Asian Games. His journey from a small village in Karnataka to the international shooting arena is a story of an unexpected opportunity, hard work and patience.
A boy from a farming family
Kedarling grew up in a joint family in Karnataka, with his parents, siblings, grandparents and other relatives. His parents continue to depend on farming for their livelihood. Sport was present in his childhood, but there was no clear plan to become a professional athlete. He took part in running events and even competed in the 1500m at the district level. However, he never imagined that he would one day wear India’s colours at a major international event. His life changed after he joined the Army.
His shooting journey started by chance
Before entering the Army, Kedarling knew very little about shooting. The only shooter he remembered hearing about was Abhinav Bindra, India’s Olympic gold medallist. After joining the Army in 2018, he discovered that there was a shooting range where soldiers were being tested and selected for their sporting ability. Kedarling was selected during this process. It was the first time he properly came in contact with a pistol and the sport that would eventually change his life. Initially, he did not understand that shooting could become a serious career. With more training, competitions and exposure to experienced shooters, his thinking slowly changed. He began to understand that he could continue serving in the Army while also competing for India.
Why he fell in love with shooting
Kedarling had already experienced running, but shooting offered him a completely different challenge. He liked the fact that the sport demanded control, concentration and patience. Instead of depending on speed or physical strength alone, a shooter has to remain calm and focus on every shot. That quality suited him. His coaches also played an important role in helping him develop. After making the Army team, he received access to a wider support system that included coaches, sports medicine experts and nutrition staff. The Army also provided him with his first pistol, helping him take his early steps in competitive shooting.
From army range to international competition
Kedarling’s progress did not stop at domestic competitions. He gradually moved into international events and gained experience against some of the world’s better shooters. He competed at a senior World Cup in 2022, marking an important step in his development. Official NRAI records also list him among India’s international-level 10m air pistol shooters. His steady progress has now earned him a place in India’s 2026 Asian Games shooting squad. The National Rifle Association of India selected Kedarling for the men’s 10m air pistol event, alongside Gaurav and Kamaljeet. He has also been named alongside Suruchi for the 10m air pistol mixed team event. For someone who discovered shooting only after joining the Army, this is a remarkable rise.
Family support despite financial challenges
Coming from an agriculture-based family, money was not always easy. Shooting is an expensive sport, with costs related to equipment, ammunition, travel and competitions. The Army and India’s shooting system have helped reduce some of those challenges. Kedarling has also tried to support his family whenever possible. His success means a lot to his parents, although they may not always understand the technical details of scores and rankings. For them, the biggest achievement is seeing their son travel abroad and represent India.Kedarling follows a simple routine to keep his mind calm. He begins his day with meditation and focuses on his breathing. For him, staying in the present is important because shooting leaves little room for distraction. His approach to competition is equally simple: follow the training plan, execute what he has practised and let the result follow. He does not want to carry the pressure of expectations from his village, Army unit or country.
Asian Games is not the final goal
Representing India at the Asian Games is already one of the biggest moments of Kedarling’s career. But he is not treating it as the end of his journey. His biggest dream is to compete at the Los Angeles Olympics and win a medal for India. His journey so far has taken him from a farming family in Karnataka to an Army shooting range and now to the Asian Games stage. It all began with a chance opportunity in 2018. For Kedarling, the lesson is simple: stay patient, keep working and trust that the right opportunity will come at the right time.
