Kolkata Radiologist Dr. Archana Singh Wins Bronze at 68th National Shooting Championship
In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Dr. Archana Singh, a 47-year-old radiologist from Kolkata, has secured the Bronze Medal in the 10m Air Rifle Master Women event at the 68th National Shooting Championship (NSCC). Her achievement places her on the national podium alongside shooting legends like World Champion Anjali Bhagwat, who took Silver, and Olympian Tejaswini Sawant, who claimed Gold.
From Hospital Corridors to Shooting Range
Dr. Singh's days are typically spent in the busy corridors of Kolkata's SSKM Hospital, where she works as a radiologist, analyzing scans and ultrasounds with clinical precision. However, since late 2022, this precision has found a new outlet on the shooting range. Her journey into competitive shooting began not in a sports academy, but at a casual "fun shooting event" organized at her residential complex, Utalika, a few years ago.
While most participants were shooting for leisure, Dr. Singh demonstrated an uncanny, natural rhythm in hitting targets. Coaches from the Joydeep Karmakar Shooting Academy (JKSA) quickly noticed her talent, recognizing it as more than just beginner's luck. This discovery marked the start of her transformation from a full-time government doctor to a national-level athlete.
Balancing Medicine and Marksmanship
Dr. Singh pursued her MBBS at Medical College, Kolkata, followed by an MD at IPGMER. Reflecting on her dual passions, she said, "I started shooting casually and did not notice when I became serious about it. I realized that while academics is vital, we must never stop exploring our inner selves." She credits her husband's motivation for joining the JKSA Shooting Academy, where she initially practiced once a week before gradually increasing her sessions to thrice weekly in preparation for state and national events.
The transition has been challenging, requiring masterful time management to juggle her responsibilities as a doctor, mother, and athlete. Instead of opting for private practice, she dedicates her spare time to the shooting range. "Today, my daughter playfully calls me a 'micro-celebrity', but for me, the mission is deeper. You live only once, so live it better, and it is never too late to start something you love," Dr. Singh emphasized.
Advocating for Sports as a Lifelong Pursuit
Dr. Singh now advocates for a cultural shift in India, urging both state and central governments to promote sports as a lifelong pursuit rather than just a childhood hobby. By balancing her roles, she has proven that one's "inner self" is always waiting to be discovered, regardless of age. "The age at which I started is definitely uncommon, but age is just a number. We all live once, and we must do everything we can to fulfill our dreams," she stated.
Her shooting career has seen consistent success, with several club-level medals within West Bengal, victories at the annual state shooting championship and east zone events, and two consecutive medals at the National Championship in Bhopal in 2024 and 2025. "I was happy that I came 3rd in the 68th NSCC held from December 24, 2025, to January 2, 2026," she added, highlighting her perseverance and growth in the sport.
Dr. Archana Singh's story is a powerful testament to the idea that it's never too late to chase a dream. Her journey from a Kolkata hospital to the national shooting podium inspires others to explore their passions and break barriers, one shot at a time.
