Injured national-level shooter Pushpender Singh’s future in the sport hangs in the balance after a freak accident left him without half of his left thumb. Singh, who was filling his 10m air pistol cylinder when it exploded, could potentially be forced to compete in the para category going forward. The incident occurred while he was preparing for the National championships in Bhopal, just days after the loss of his mother to Stage 4 brain cancer. Singh, however, remains determined and is resolute about continuing his shooting career, whether it’s in the normal or para category.
The 31-year-old shooter, who is an Indian Air Force (IAF) corporal, underwent a four-hour surgery at the Army’s R&R Hospital after the accident. Unfortunately, doctors determined that his thumb was damaged beyond repair and could not be reconstructed. This devastating setback comes after an emotionally trying period for Singh, who lost his father in 2014 and his mother just a month before the mishap.
Speaking about the accident, Pushpender revealed, I was re-filling my 10m air pistol cylinder from the main cylinder. I had filled up my first pistol cylinder without any issues. But when I was unscrewing the second cylinder from the main cylinder, it exploded, ripping off half my left thumb. He further expressed his anguish, stating, I have cried enough. God is unhappy with me… had been training for the nationals for so long, but when the time came, this mishap happened.
The loss of his thumb poses significant challenges for Pushpender, who shoots primarily with his right hand. The left hand plays a crucial role in adjusting the grip and loading the air pellets. Pushpender expressed uncertainty about how he will perform these tasks without his left thumb. While he may have to compete in the para category due to his injury, he remains undeterred and is focused on his dream of representing India in either the Olympics or Paralympics.
Pushpender’s situation also raises concerns about the safety regulations surrounding shooting equipment. He revealed that the air pistol cylinder he was using was from 2017, despite the fact that the manufacturer had issued a recall for such cylinders and offered free replacements. This oversight has left Pushpender questioning why the cylinder was not changed before the unfortunate accident occurred.
The shooter expressed gratitude towards those who assisted him during the accident, including his IAF teammate who used his T-shirt to staunch the bleeding and a private shooter who rushed him to the hospital. Despite the challenges and setbacks he has faced, Pushpender remains determined not to give up on his passion for shooting.
As he continues his recovery, the fate of Pushpender Singh’s shooting career hangs in the balance. Only time will tell if he will be able to compete in the normal category or if he will transition to the para category. Nevertheless, his unwavering resolve and determination to overcome adversity serve as an inspiration to athletes everywhere.
