In the crisp air of Buenos Aires, Argentina, on April 8, 2025, Vijayveer Sidhu etched his name into the annals of Indian shooting history. At the ISSF World Cup 2025, the 22-year-old Paris Olympian clinched India’s inaugural gold medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event, a triumph that marked a watershed moment for Indian marksmanship. With a score of 29 hits in a thrilling final, Sidhu outgunned Italy’s Riccardo Mazzetti by a single shot, securing not just personal glory but a milestone for a nation hungry for Olympic success in this discipline. As of April 9, 2025, Sidhu’s journey from a curious schoolboy in Punjab to a world-class shooter is a tale of grit, family support, and an unrelenting pursuit of excellence. This biography delves into the life of Vijayveer Sidhu a prodigy whose golden shot in Buenos Aires signals the dawn of a new era for Indian shooting.
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Early Life: A Twin Destiny Forged in Punjab
Vijayveer Sidhu was born on September 26, 2002, in Mansa, Punjab, alongside his identical twin brother, Udhayveer Sidhu. The twins’ early years were steeped in the rustic charm of Punjab, a region known for its resilience and vibrant spirit. Their father, Gurpreet Singh Sidhu, a supportive figure who nurtured their dreams, and their mother, Rani Kaur, a government school teacher, provided a stable foundation despite modest means. It was at St. Xavier’s School in Mansa, during a school camp at the age of eight, that Vijayveer first encountered a shooting range an encounter that would alter the course of his life.
Fascinated by the precision and power of the sport, Vijayveer beckoned Udhayveer to join him at the range. What began as a playful curiosity soon blossomed into a shared passion. Recognizing their sons’ budding talent, the Sidhu family relocated to Chandigarh, a city with superior training facilities. Tragically, shortly after the move, Gurpreet Singh passed away due to a sudden illness, leaving Vijayveer and Udhayveer to navigate their grief with their mother’s unwavering support. Rani Kaur, teaching at the same school where the twins studied, became their rock, ensuring their shooting dreams endured despite the loss.
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Rise Through the Ranks: A Prodigy Emerges
Under the guidance of coach D.S. Chandel in Chandigarh, Vijayveer honed his skills with both the air pistol and rapid fire pistol. His early proficiency across disciplines hinted at his versatility, but it was the rapid fire pistol requiring shooters to hit five targets in four seconds that captured his focus. By age 16, Vijayveer was already making waves on the international stage. In 2018, at the ISSF Junior World Championships in Changwon, South Korea, he clinched gold in the 25m standard pistol event, signaling his arrival as a junior world champion.
His teenage years were a whirlwind of accolades. At the 2022 ISSF Junior World Cup in Suhl, Germany, Vijayveer secured two gold medals in the team and mixed team events, borrowing a pistol from teammate Arjun Singh Cheema to seal one victory a testament to his resourcefulness. Alongside Udhayveer and Adarsh Singh, he won a silver medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team event at the 2023 World University Games in Chengdu, China. These early triumphs showcased not just his skill but the synergy with his twin, a partnership that fueled their ascent.
Senior Stage Breakthrough: Silver Linings and Olympic Dreams
Vijayveer’s transition to senior competition was swift and impressive. In March 2021, at the age of 18, he debuted at the ISSF World Cup in New Delhi, winning a silver medal in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol event. Tied with Estonia’s Peeter Olesk at 26 hits, he fell 4-1 in a shoot-off but left with a medal and invaluable experience. The next day, paired with Tejaswani, he clinched gold in the mixed team event, defeating compatriots Gurpreet Singh and Abhidnya Patil 9-1 a sign of his growing dominance.
His international resume expanded with a bronze medal at the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol team event alongside Anish Bhanwala and Adarsh Singh India’s first-ever Asiad medal in this category. In January 2024, at the Asian Shooting Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, Vijayveer’s silver medal secured his berth for the Paris 2024 Olympics, fulfilling a childhood dream. Though he narrowly missed the final at Paris, finishing ninth with 583-26x, the experience sharpened his resolve.
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The Golden Moment: ISSF World Cup 2025
The pinnacle of Vijayveer’s career arrived on April 8, 2025, at the ISSF World Cup in Buenos Aires. After a shaky start in the men’s 25m rapid fire pistol final, he staged a remarkable comeback, finishing with 29 hits to edge out Mazzetti’s 28. China’s Yang Yuhao took bronze with 23, while Indian teammates Gurpreet Singh (10th, 575) and Anish Bhanwala (13th, 570) fell short of the final. Vijayveer’s triumph India’s first individual World Cup gold in this event propelled the nation to the top of the medal tally with four golds, one silver, and one bronze.
“I just wanted to control what I can control,” Vijayveer said post-victory, reflecting his mental clarity. Inspired by legends like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, whose music soothed his nerves, and guided by a secret diary entry of goals, he broke a barrier that he believes will inspire future Indian shooters. His win, paired with Suruchi Inder Singh’s gold in the women’s 10m air pistol, underscored India’s rising prowess in pistol events.
Personal Traits and Influence
Vijayveer Sidhu is a study in contrasts calm yet fiercely competitive, introspective yet confident. Standing at 5’8” with a lean frame, his physical discipline mirrors his mental fortitude. His twin brother Udhayveer remains his closest ally and occasional rival, their bond a source of strength. Vijayveer’s humility shines through in his gratitude toward his mother and late father, whose sacrifices he honors with every shot.
His methodical approach improving slow-fire precision and mastering rapid sequences has been key to his success. Off the range, he enjoys music and maintains a low profile, letting his achievements speak louder than words. As a Paris Olympian and now a World Cup champion, Vijayveer inspires young shooters, proving that talent, paired with perseverance, can conquer the world stage.
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The Road Ahead: Aiming for Olympic Glory
With the Paris Olympics behind him and the 2028 Los Angeles Games on the horizon, Vijayveer’s golden moment in Buenos Aires is a springboard for greater ambitions. His victory has elevated his world ranking and bolstered India’s medal prospects in a discipline where Olympic success has eluded the nation since Vijay Kumar’s silver in 2012. Vijayveer’s focus remains steadfast: refine his technique, compete in upcoming ISSF events, and secure an Olympic podium finish.
As of April 9, 2025, Vijayveer Sidhu stands at a career crossroads, his potential boundless. His triumph in Argentina is not just a personal victory but a beacon for Indian shooting a sport poised for global dominance. With his family’s legacy and a nation’s hopes behind him, Vijayveer is ready to aim higher, one precise shot at a time.
A Legacy in the Making
Vijayveer Sidhu’s biography is a narrative of destiny, resilience, and triumph. From a schoolboy captivated by a gun range to the first Indian to win 25m rapid fire pistol gold at an ISSF World Cup, his journey embodies the spirit of a champion. As he continues to break barriers and chase Olympic dreams, Vijayveer’s story inspires not just shooters but anyone daring to defy the odds. In the echoing shots of Buenos Aires, India found a hero and Vijayveer Sidhu found his place in history.
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