In the world of precision sports, few stories are as compelling as that of Utkarsh Verma — a marksman shaped by instinct, honed by training, and driven by unshakable passion.
Born and raised in Varanasi, Utkarsh was never a stranger to firearms. Raised in a family where weapons were part of tradition and discipline, he developed an early curiosity that would later define his life. What started with handling airguns out of fascination soon evolved into structured training, national competitions, and medal-winning performances.
Today, Utkarsh Verma is a state gold medalist in pistol shooting at the state-level championship. He has also competed at the national level, gaining experience and building a solid presence in the competitive shooting scene. He also holds strong credentials in prone rifle and big bore rifle shooting.
His standout performance at the 46th Uttar Pradesh State Shooting Championship — where he clinched Gold in .32 pistol (team event),Silver in free pistol,Bronze in .22 pistol — positioned him as one of the top emerging shooters in the country.
But his athletic journey doesn’t end there.
Before turning full-time to shooting, Utkarsh represented India as part of the national karate team. A seasoned martial artist, he brought home an international gold medal in karate, showcasing his versatility and competitive spirit.
In 2021, after competing in an international karate championship held in Ukraine, he decided to formally step away from the sport to focus entirely on shooting — a decision that marked the beginning of a new, even more disciplined phase in his life.
Utkarsh isn’t just an athlete — he’s a student of his craft. From understanding ballistics to perfecting breathing techniques, his approach to shooting is scientific, strategic, and intensely focused. Behind every trigger pull lies hours of preparation and a mindset that refuses to settle for anything less than excellence.
Whether it’s the calm before a pistol shot or the silence on the shooting range, Utkarsh thrives in moments that demand poise under pressure. For him, shooting is not just a sport — it’s a way of life.
“It’s not just about hitting the target,” he says.
“It’s about knowing why you missed — and never missing the same way twice.”
Follow him on Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/utkar_sh0505?igsh=MW81Z3p6bWkyaXQwYQ==
