From Accidental Shooter to India Representative: Kedarling’s Journey from a Karnataka Village to the Asian Games

When Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve joined the Indian Army in 2018, he had no plans of becoming an international shooter. Like many youngsters growing up in a village in Karnataka, his immediate priorities were straightforward — find a stable job, support his family and serve the country.

Shooting was nowhere in the plan.

Eight years later, the 27-year-old Naib Subedar of the 27 Madras Regiment is preparing to represent India at the Asian Games. What started almost by accident inside an Army shooting range has evolved into an international sporting career, with Kedarling now setting his sights beyond the Asian Games and towards an Olympic medal at Los Angeles.

His story is one of opportunity, patience and making the most of an unexpected talent.

Kedarling grew up in a farming family in a small village in Karnataka. His parents continue to work in agriculture, and he was raised in a joint family surrounded by siblings, grandparents and extended relatives.

Sport was not entirely unfamiliar to him. As a youngster, he participated in running events and even competed in the 1500m at district level. But there was no indication that he would eventually represent India internationally. His introduction to shooting came only after he joined the Army.

“I did not know much about shooting before joining the Army. I had only heard the name of Abhinav Bindra during school or college because it would come up in general knowledge,” Kedarling recalled.

Everything changed when he discovered that his Army unit had a shooting range and that sporting talent was being identified.

He was selected.

The first time he picked up a pistol, he had little idea where the opportunity could lead. Gradually, domestic competitions, exposure to senior shooters and interaction with coaches changed his understanding of the sport.

“We began to understand that this could actually become a career. We could do our job and also play for the country. That is when the desire started,” he said.

Finding the appeal in precision shooting

For Kedarling, pistol shooting offered a completely different challenge from the running events he had experienced during his younger years. He was drawn to the sport's emphasis on concentration and self-control.

“I liked that it is an indoor sport and there are no external factors like running. You have to control yourself and focus on your grouping. I started enjoying it,” he explained.

The Army soon became the foundation of his development. His basic coaches encouraged him to pursue shooting, and after making the Army team, he gained access to a wider support structure involving coaches, sports medicine professionals and nutrition staff.

The Army also provided him with his first pistol. Initially, he trained with shared equipment before eventually receiving an individual weapon. He continues to use the Army-issued pistol while also investing in a spare weapon himself.

Kedarling's journey has not been without financial challenges. Coming from an agriculture-dependent family, he understood the importance of contributing to the household whenever possible. Shooting itself can also be expensive, with equipment, ammunition, travel and competition costs adding up quickly.

The support provided by the Army, along with assistance from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI), Sports Authority of India (SAI) and his sponsor, has helped him focus increasingly on performance. But Kedarling has never forgotten his roots.

“Earlier, whenever there was a need at home, I would tell my father that whatever I could manage, I would provide. I would take care of the rest myself. Things are better now,” he said.

The national shooting ecosystem has also given him access to competitions, camps, support staff and international exposure.

According to Kedarling, the environment created around the Indian shooting team has been particularly important in helping athletes deal with challenges.

Interestingly, Kedarling's approach to shooting begins even before he enters the range. Meditation and breathing exercises have become part of his daily routine, helping him remain focused on the present — something that directly complements the mental demands of pistol shooting.

“First of all, if we stay calm, everything will be fine,” he said. “During meditation, I focus on my breathing and on the situation, so that I can stay in the present.”

That philosophy extends to his approach to competition. Rather than becoming consumed by scores or the performance of his rivals, Kedarling focuses on executing the process he has practised.

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His objective remains simple: prepare properly, follow the strategy and allow the result to take care of itself.

The Asian Games selection represents the biggest milestone of Kedarling's career so far. For his family and people back home, however, the achievement is perhaps less about technical shooting statistics and more about what the opportunity represents.

“They are very happy that their son is going to another country for a competition. Coming from a village, getting a job and then getting an opportunity to go abroad is a big thing,” he said. News of his progress has also spread through his village. Some parents have even told him that their children are inspired to follow a similar path.

Kedarling, though, insists he does not feel burdened by expectations.“There is no pressure. If I perform well, everything will happen automatically the country’s name, my village’s name and the Army’s name.”

That calmness reflects the philosophy that has carried him through his career.

Kedarling's international journey has already taken him to a senior World Cup in 2022, and now the Asian Games await. But he does not consider the continental event his final destination. His ambition is much bigger.

“My main goal is the Olympics. I want to go to the Olympics in Los Angeles and win a medal.”

For someone who discovered shooting only after joining the Army, the dream may have once seemed unimaginable. Today, however, Kedarling has built a career around it. His mantra captures the journey perfectly: be patient, keep working and do not run ahead of time.

From a Karnataka village and an agricultural family to an Army shooting range, from his first pistol in 2018 to the international stage, Kedarling Balakrishna Uchaganve has already travelled a remarkable distance.

The Asian Games are his next chapter.

Los Angeles is the dream.