At 26, when most competitive shooters are already years into structured training cycles, Fatin Naeem Tirmizi is doing something unusual—compressing what is typically a decade-long learning curve into just over a year. In the highly specialised world of trap shooting, where precision, reflexes, and mental discipline define success, his rise from a beginner in 2025 to a consistent podium finisher across state and national competitions stands out as both rapid and rare.
An Unlikely Entry Into a Precision Sport
Tirmizi’s entry into shooting was unplanned. Introduced to the sport by his father alongside his brother, it began as a casual pursuit. The turning point came when his brother encouraged him to take it seriously, pushing him toward structured training. Starting late meant he had to simultaneously build technique, discipline, and competitive temperament—elements most athletes develop over years—but he adapted quickly.
Learning the Craft: Technique, Timing, Temperament
Training at the Crowne Shooting Range, Tirmizi immersed himself in the technical demands of trap shooting. The sport requires tracking unpredictable clay targets, reacting in fractions of a second, and maintaining consistency over multiple rounds. Early challenges included timing errors and inconsistency, but his ability to internalise feedback and correct mistakes quickly helped him stabilise his shooting rhythm within months.
First Signals of Competitive Potential
His first competitive breakthrough came at the Ahmedabad District Championship 2025, where he secured multiple medals. Achieving this so early in his journey was significant, not just as a milestone but as an indicator of competitive instinct. It marked the beginning of a pattern—he was not merely participating, but consistently contending.
Scaling Up: State-Level Consistency
At the Gujarat State Championship 2025, Tirmizi established himself as a serious competitor. Competing in both trap and double trap, he secured multiple podium finishes, demonstrating adaptability across formats and the ability to sustain performance over longer rounds. Consistency, often the hardest attribute to develop in shooting, began to define his performances.
The Breakthrough: Perazzi India Cup 2025
His defining moment came at the Perazzi India Cup, where he delivered a flawless 25/25 in the finals to clinch the championship. He became the first-ever winner of the tournament and earned the prestigious Perazzi Hightech shotgun. The performance showcased not just technical precision but also composure under pressure, a critical trait in elite shooting.
Building a Competitive Resume
Following this breakthrough, Tirmizi maintained momentum with a solid 42/50 at the West Zone Championship in Bhopal and a bronze medal at the India Open Championship 2025 in Patiala, a key pre-national event. These performances reinforced his consistency and secured his qualification for national-level competition.
Entry Into the National Framework
By the end of 2025, Tirmizi competed in the Indian National Shooting Championship (December 1, 2025 – January 5, 2026), earning recognition as an ISSF-category shooter within the framework of the International Shooting Sport Federation. This marked his transition from a state-level competitor to a nationally recognised athlete.
2026: Consolidation, Not Complacency
In 2026, Tirmizi has continued to build on his performances. At the Gandhinagar District Championship, he secured gold in double trap and bronze in trap. At the Gujarat State Championship 2026, he added two silver medals in trap and double trap. Notably, he was the only shooter in the competition to register a perfect 25/25, reinforcing his growing reputation for precision and consistency.
The Road Ahead: Trials and Olympic Ambitions
His immediate goal is qualification for the Indian team trials, a crucial step toward international representation. The long-term ambition is clear—to represent India at the Olympic Games, a target that now appears increasingly within reach given his rapid progression.
What Sets Him Apart
Tirmizi’s trajectory is defined by late entry, rapid adaptation, and sustained consistency. His ability to perform across formats, maintain composure under pressure, and improve quickly distinguishes him from many early-stage competitors.
An Emerging Name in Indian Shooting
Indian shooting has a strong legacy of producing elite athletes, and trap shooting remains one of its most demanding disciplines. If Tirmizi continues on his current trajectory, maintaining consistency while sharpening his competitive edge, he is well positioned to evolve from a promising talent into a regular presence on the national and potentially international stage.
