3 times lucky, shooter fires up border village

The border village of Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran district is celebrating the success of local lad Gurpreet Singh, who has won two gold medals and a bronze in shooting in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

The border village of Naushehra Pannuan in Tarn Taran district is celebrating the success of local lad Gurpreet Singh, who has won two gold medals and a bronze in shooting in the ongoing Commonwealth Games.

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Gurpreet, 22, bagged two gold medals in 10m air pistol (pair) and 25m rapid fire pistol (pair) on Thursday and a bronze in another event on Friday. The shooter's house wears a festive look, with people pouring in from the village and other places to congratulate his family.

Gurpreet, who joined the Army in 2004, first took up a rifle during training.

There has been no looking back since then.

Elated at his son's feat, Manjit Singh, who runs a welding workshop, said, "Gurpreet has made the village and the nation proud. He always talked about his interest in shooting, and by winning medals at a prestigious event, he has shown his worth."

Manjit stated that Gurpreet wanted to join the Army and was selected soon after he completed Class XII. "My brothers are also in the Army or the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). This is like a family tradition," he said.

Several politicians called up, while a few visited Gurpreet's house to greet his family.

Manjit said, "It is due to my son that everybody is congratulating me. I demand that the government should support him more so that he can achieve glory for the nation in the Olympics as well."

Gurpreet can win more medals in the CWG, as a couple of his events are coming up, Manjit added.