Chennai-based shooter Santhosh Sundarrajan has made the state of Tamil Nadu and the entire nation proud by winning the silver medal at the 1st All India Air Rifles Benchrest Shooting Championship, held on May 16 and 17, 2025. This prestigious event brought together top benchrest shooters from across the country, and Santhosh’s stellar performance has now catapulted him onto the international stage.
Santhosh, who competed under the Tamil Nadu Rimfire and Air Rifles Benchrest Association (TNRARBA), demonstrated remarkable precision, consistency, and focus—key attributes of the highly competitive benchrest shooting sport. His performance earned high praise and official recognition from TNRARBA and the broader shooting fraternity.
In an official congratulatory note dated 19/05/2025, M. Manivasagam, the Founder President of TNRARBA, extended heartfelt congratulations to Santhosh. “His remarkable achievement not only highlights his dedication and skill but also brings great pride to our association,” the letter read.
What makes Santhosh’s journey even more inspiring is the announcement of his upcoming participation in an international competition. In the first week of August 2025, Santhosh Sundarrajan will represent India at an international benchrest shooting competition in Indonesia, Bali. This marks a historic milestone for the young shooter and the Tamil Nadu association as he carries India’s flag to a global platform.
“I’m extremely honored to represent my country at an international level,” said Santhosh. “Competing in Indonesia, Bali is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and I’m putting in my best efforts to prepare for the challenge. This medal is just the beginning—I want to make India proud on the global stage.”
Benchrest shooting is one of the most demanding disciplines in the world of shooting sports. Shooters must deliver extreme precision from a fixed bench position using high-performance air rifles. Every millimeter counts, and the competition often comes down to who can hold their nerve and focus across several tense rounds. Santhosh’s success in this arena reflects not just raw talent but years of disciplined training and mental resilience.
The Tamil Nadu Rimfire and Air Rifles Benchrest Association (TNRARBA), which is affiliated with the Rimfire and Air Rifles Benchrest Shooting Association of India, has been instrumental in nurturing talents like Santhosh. The association’s efforts to promote benchrest shooting across the state have steadily gained momentum, and Santhosh’s victory is a direct result of their commitment to structured training, coaching, and athlete development.
“Mr. Santhosh’s upcoming participation in international benchrest shooting competitions promises to elevate our association’s reputation on a global stage,” added Mr. Manivasagam in his statement. “We look forward to celebrating his continued success and the honor he brings to our community.”
Santhosh Sundarrajan’s international debut at Indonesia, Bali, not only gives him a chance to compete with the best in the world but also positions India as a rising force in the global benchrest shooting arena. The upcoming championship in Bali is expected to draw competitors from multiple countries, making it a high-stakes opportunity for exposure and excellence.
Behind Santhosh’s success is a story of perseverance, local support, and ambition. He continues to train rigorously under the guidance of senior coaches and is committed to sharpening his skills before the international tournament. His goal is not just participation but podium success.
The shooting sports community in Chennai and Tamil Nadu is abuzz with excitement and anticipation. Many young shooters now look up to Santhosh as a role model—a proof that with the right focus and support, one can go from national recognition to representing India internationally.
Santhosh Sundarrajan’s journey from Chennai to the global arena in Indonesia, Bali stands as a powerful symbol of India’s evolving sporting potential. His medal at the national level is just the beginning, and as he gears up for the August international competition, the entire nation awaits with pride and hope.
