Young shooter from Bhoura bags 3 medals in state tourney

Sixteen-year-old Manav Katoch of Bhoura village has made Sulah constituency proud by clinching three medals at the 30th Himachal Pradesh State Shooting Championship, held this week at Dhaula Kuan, Sirmour, and hosted by the 6th IR Battalion of the police. A Class 10 student at AVM School Pahra, Manav is fast emerging as one of Himachal’s most promising young shooters.

At the championship, Manav bagged silver in the 10m air rifle, bronze in the 50m rifle prone and another silver in the 25m sports pistol event. He hones his skills at the Katoch Shooting Sports Academy in Bhoura, under the guidance of his father, Naresh Katoch, himself a shooting coach.

What makes his journey remarkable is that Manav has already qualified for the nationals in the 300m big bore event, becoming the youngest shooter from Himachal to do so. He has also represented the state thrice in the 10m pistol category and has now earned a spot in the upcoming North Zone competition in the 25m pistol and 50m rifle events.

Manav dedicated his success to his family, teachers and his academy, crediting their constant support for his achievements.