Breaking: Elite Indian shooter Angad Vir Singh Bajwa is set to don Canada’s jersey, abandoning his tricolor ambitions. The decision has ignited a firestorm of discussions on athlete retention in India’s medal-hungry sports landscape.
Hailing from a modest background in Jalandhar, Bajwa skyrocketed through ranks with precision that rivaled veterans. Gold at the Khelo India Games, silvers in Asian juniors—his accolades are impressive. But the grind of inadequate ammo supplies, cramped ranges, and sponsorship droughts wore him down.
Enter Canada, with its gleaming academies and unwavering support. ‘Here, every shot counts towards a bigger goal,’ Bajwa told reporters. Citizenship via ancestry fast-tracks his eligibility, positioning him for continental and world meets.
The timing stings. India basked in shooting glory at Paris 2024, with Swapnil Kusale and others shining. Bajwa’s exit raises alarms: Are we losing the next generation?
Voices from the field chime in. Former Olympian Gagan Narang laments, ‘We need holistic reforms.’ Meanwhile, Bajwa’s camp highlights success stories of diaspora athletes thriving abroad.
Looking ahead, Bajwa eyes podiums in Toronto qualifiers. For India, it’s a clarion call to overhaul federations, boost budgets, and foster loyalty. This saga isn’t just about one shooter—it’s a mirror to sports policy pitfalls. Will India adapt, or watch more talents cross borders?