In the world of Indian shooting, Vivaan Kapoor has emerged as a rising star, making his mark on the international stage. At just 22 years old, Vivaan captured a silver medal in the men’s trap at the Shooting World Cup, a significant achievement in his budding career. But behind this success lies an inspiring story, one that involves not just hard work and dedication but also the unique guidance of two key figures in his life—his father, Vikram Kapoor, and his mentor, Kuwaiti shooting legend Khalid Al-Mudaf.
A Young Shooter on the Global Stage
On the final day of the Shooting World Cup, the men’s trap event took center stage, with six highly skilled finalists vying for the top honors. Vivaan Kapoor, the youngest and least experienced among them, stood tall, showing composure and focus despite competing against seasoned Olympic and World Championship medalists. His performance earned him a silver medal, cementing his position as one of India’s most promising shooters.
While Vivaan exuded confidence and calm, outside the shooting range, two men paced nervously. These two individuals, both deeply invested in Vivaan’s success, were often mistaken for his father. And in a way, both of them were. One was Vivaan’s biological father, Vikram Kapoor, and the other was Khalid Al-Mudaf, Vivaan’s mentor and the man he affectionately calls his “second father.”
The Story Behind the Two Fathers
When asked about the two men, Vikram Kapoor shared how Khalid came into Vivaan’s life. As a businessman from Jaipur, Vikram had always supported his son’s passion for shooting. However, as Vivaan began to make his mark in junior-level national and international competitions, Vikram realized his son needed world-class training to reach his full potential.
Vivaan was initially coached by a Russian trainer, Rustam, who occasionally worked with Khalid Al-Mudaf, a shooting legend from Kuwait. When Rustam suggested Vikram reach out to Khalid for guidance, Vikram did not hesitate. Khalid, who had long admired Vivaan’s talent from afar, agreed immediately. And so, a special bond was formed between the young shooter and his mentor.
Khalid had seen Vivaan shoot in a junior tournament in Italy when Vivaan was just 16 or 17. Impressed by his maturity and skill at such a young age, Khalid had thought to himself, “This boy has what it takes to be a world champion.” When Vikram reached out, it felt like destiny to Khalid. “I had dreamt of training him,” Khalid said, recalling how fate brought them together.
Khalid’s Role in Vivaan’s Journey
Khalid Al-Mudaf is no stranger to the world of competitive shooting. He has been a World Champion, an Asian Games Champion, and an Asian Champion, with the only accolade missing from his impressive resume being an Olympic medal. Now, his focus is on helping Vivaan achieve what he could not—an Olympic gold.
Khalid’s training goes beyond the technical aspects of trap shooting. “Vivaan has the talent, but to be a champion, it’s not just about skill,” Khalid explains. “I work with him on his mindset, ensuring that negativity doesn’t cloud his focus and that overconfidence never sets in. A true champion doesn’t need to announce his greatness—his achievements speak for themselves.”
Khalid takes charge of every aspect of Vivaan’s training, from his shooting technique to his diet and mental conditioning. “I leave everything to him,” Vivaan says, acknowledging the immense role Khalid plays in his development as an athlete. “He is like my second father.”
The Dream of Olympic Glory
For Vivaan, the journey does not end with the World Cup silver. His eyes are firmly set on the ultimate prize—an Olympic gold medal. “There are two dreams I want to fulfill,” Vivaan shares. “One is to win Olympic gold for my country, and the other is to gift my father the car of his dreams.”
Vikram Kapoor, ever the proud father, shares this dream. “The Olympic gold is a dream for all of us,” he says, adding with a smile, “and when Vivaan wins that gold, I’ll be gifting Khalid a car of his choice as well.”
The Road Ahead
With the unwavering support of his father Vikram and the expert guidance of his mentor Khalid, Vivaan Kapoor is well on his way to fulfilling his dreams. His success at the Shooting World Cup is just the beginning, and with each passing day, his Olympic aspirations grow closer to reality.
For now, Vivaan continues to train hard, keeping his focus on the future and the two men who have been by his side every step of the way. With a strong foundation and an incredible support system, this young shooter is destined for even greater achievements on the global stage.
