Indian Muslim student wins double gold at Asian shooting championship
Young Indian Muslim athlete makes history with two gold medals in Kazakhstan, bringing international glory to her university
NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — An Indian Muslim student has achieved international recognition by winning two gold medals at the 16th Asian Shooting Championship in Kazakhstan, delivering a moment of pride for her university and country.
Sabeera Haris, a high school student at Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), captured both individual and team gold in a dramatic final on Tuesday. Beginning in sixth place with 105 points, she mounted a remarkable comeback to claim the top spot, edging out compatriot Addya Katiyal, who had been leading with 113 points and was widely tipped to win.
Observers described the performance as one of the most thrilling finishes of the tournament. Haris’s precision, consistency under pressure, and ability to adapt in the final rounds secured her unexpected victory and marked her as a rising star in Indian shooting.
The win resonated beyond sport, highlighting the achievement of a Muslim woman from AMU at a time when Indian Muslims face growing marginalization. University officials celebrated her triumph as an inspiration to young athletes nationwide.
“It is indeed a proud moment for the university to witness our students excel in both academics and sports at the international level,” said AMU Vice-Chancellor Naima Khatoon, adding that Haris’s success underscored the university’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Prof. S. Amjad Ali Rizvi, secretary of the University Games Committee, praised her determination. “Sabeera has brought immense pride to AMU and to India with her outstanding performance. Her discipline and passion make her a role model for aspiring athletes,” he said.
Analysts note that Haris’s achievement reflects the growing strength of Indian shooters on the Asian stage, while also symbolizing the aspirations of young Muslim women breaking barriers in global sports. For AMU, it marks another milestone in blending academic pursuit with international sporting excellence.