In a stunning turn of events that’s sending shockwaves through India’s sports community, rising shooting star Angad Vir Singh Bajwa has decided to represent Canada internationally. The 22-year-old prodigy, who has been making headlines with his sharpshooting skills, announced his shift in allegiance, citing better opportunities and support systems abroad.
Bajwa’s journey began in the dusty shooting ranges of Punjab, where he honed his craft under modest conditions. Despite clinching multiple national medals and earning spots in international competitions, the lack of consistent funding and infrastructure back home pushed him to seek greener pastures. ‘Canada offers world-class facilities, dedicated coaching, and a clear pathway to the Olympics,’ Bajwa shared in an exclusive interview.
His decision comes at a time when India is aggressively building its shooting powerhouse status, fresh off multiple Paris Olympics medals. Critics argue this defection highlights deeper systemic issues in Indian sports administration, from erratic sponsorships to bureaucratic hurdles. Supporters, however, point to similar moves by athletes like trap shooter Manini Kaushik’s coach, who also switched nationalities.
Bajwa, now training in Toronto’s state-of-the-art ranges, is eligible to compete for Canada after fulfilling residency requirements. His first major event under the Maple Leaf could be the 2025 ISSF World Cup. As he packs his bags, questions loom: Will this be the first of many exits, or a wake-up call for Indian sports federations to retain their talents?
The shooting fraternity is divided. While some mourn the loss of a potential Olympic medalist for India, others wish him luck, hoping his success inspires reforms. Bajwa remains optimistic, stating, ‘This is about chasing dreams, not abandoning roots.’ India’s shooting dream team might just have lost a key player, but the bigger story is the quest for a more nurturing ecosystem at home.