Guwahati: In a proud moment for Assam and the Northeast, shotgun shooter Kundanraj Borgohain clinched the silver medal at the Thailand Championship 2025 in the International Men’s Individual Olympic Trap event. After a nail-biting final that ended in a tie-breaker, Borgohain narrowly missed gold — but his poise and precision on the global stage underlined his status as one of India’s top talents in the sport.
Behind the podium finish lies a story of persistence and grit. With minimal infrastructure for shotgun disciplines in Assam, Borgohain has had to train largely outside the state and even abroad, investing his own resources to remain competitive at the international level. His lead-up to this tournament included overseas training blocks and self-funded participation in global competitions.
Yet, despite the challenges, Borgohain has remained deeply committed to the sport’s development back home. He has taken on the role of mentor for aspiring trap and skeet shooters across Assam and the Northeast, helping them understand the nuances of the discipline and motivating them to aim for national and international success. His efforts are already inspiring a new wave of interest in the Olympic shotgun events.
However, the local reality remains bleak. Kahilipara Shooting Range — Assam’s only trap and skeet facility — faces regular equipment issues, shortage of technical staff, and a lack of structured maintenance. Aspiring athletes often struggle to access basic requirements like ammunition and licensed firearms, creating further barriers to entry in a sport where precision and preparation are everything.
Reflecting on his victory, Borgohain said:
“This medal is proof of what dedication can achieve. But I truly believe that with even a little more support — better infrastructure, ammunition access, and formal systems — Assam could nurture many more champions. The potential is already here.”
With India set to host multiple ISSF international shooting events in the run-up to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, states like Assam face a crucial moment. While several other states have scaled up their support for Olympic disciplines, Assam still lags behind in institutional backing.
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