Staff Reporter, Guwahati: Assam’s Kundanraj Borgohain brought glory to the state and the Northeast by winning the silver medal in the Men’s Individual Olympic Trap event at the Thailand Championship 2025. The high-intensity final ended in a tense tie-breaker, where Borgohain’s focus and composure earned him a place on the podium.Coming from a region that has produced several international sporting icons despite limited resources, Borgohain’s achievement stands as a testament to determination and self-reliance. With inadequate training infrastructure for Olympic Trap in Assam, he has largely trained outside the state and abroad, funding much of his journey himself.His preparation involved rigorous training camps overseas and participation in multiple global competitions—efforts made possible through personal investment rather than consistent institutional backing. These sacrifices have paid off, with Borgohain cementing his position as one of India’s most promising shooting talents.Beyond personal accolades, Borgohain is committed to grooming young shooters from the Northeast. He actively mentors aspiring athletes, providing them with technical guidance and helping them access opportunities to compete at national and international levels.However, the shooting ecosystem in Assam continues to face serious challenges. The Kahilipara Shooting Range in Guwahati—the state’s only facility for trap and skeet—struggles with outdated equipment, irregular maintenance, and a shortage of trained technical staff. Limited access to ammunition and sports firearms further discourages newcomers, slowing the sport’s growth in the region.Speaking after his silver-winning performance, Borgohain said, “This medal is proof that passion and perseverance can overcome the odds. But with basic institutional support—better facilities, consistent ammunition supply, and expert coaching—Assam can produce many more champions. The raw talent is already here.”With major ISSF international shooting events set to take place in India ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the need for Assam to upgrade its sports infrastructure is pressing. While other states have taken significant steps to support Olympic-level athletes, Assam’s shooters continue to rely heavily on personal resources and determination to compete at the highest level.
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