India Trained American Shooter Jeff Browning Wins US National Air Rifle Title

Nearly two years of dedicated training in India proved to be the defining chapter in American rifle shooter Jeff Browning's career, culminating in a remarkable victory at the US National Championship shortly after his return home.

Browning clinched the prestigious 10m air rifle title at the National Matches in Camp Perry, Ohio, representing the Virginia State team. His triumph came within a month of leaving India, where he had been training extensively at Topgun Shooting Academy in New Delhi since the summer of 2023.

A competitive shooter since 2012, Browning said the coaching and structured training environment in India significantly refined his technique and strengthened his ability to compete at the highest level.

Expressing gratitude to academy founder Shimon Sharif and the coaching staff, Browning said their guidance enabled him to continue pursuing competitive shooting while living in India. He described the experience as instrumental in helping him return to the United States with greater confidence and sharper skills.

For his championship-winning performance, Browning received the coveted Leatherneck Trophy, one of the highest honours awarded during the National Matches at Camp Perry.

The academy's reputation extends beyond Browning's achievement. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when international competitions were suspended, Topgun Shooting Academy organised virtual shooting events that attracted elite participants from across the world, including members of the US Olympic shooting team preparing for the postponed Tokyo Olympics.

Among those competitors were William Shaner, who later won Olympic gold in the men's 10m air rifle event, and Lucas Kozeniesky, who secured silver in the 10m air rifle mixed team competition at Tokyo.

Sharif said Browning's success reflects the academy's commitment to nurturing world-class talent irrespective of nationality. He added that providing quality coaching, competitive exposure and technical excellence has enabled shooters from multiple countries to achieve success on the global stage.

Browning's title serves as another example of India's growing influence in international shooting, highlighting how its coaching ecosystem is increasingly helping athletes from around the world realise championship ambitions.