American shooter Jeff Browning has credited his training at Topgun Shooting Academy in India after winning the U.S. National Championship at Camp Perry, Ohio.
A competitive shooter since 2012, Browning spent time training at Topgun Shooting Academy during his stay in India, where he worked under the guidance of international shooter Shimon Sharif and the academy’s coaching team.
After returning to the United States, Browning captured the national title within a month and acknowledged the role the academy played in helping him maintain and develop his performance. He was also awarded the prestigious Leatherneck Trophy, presented to the highest-scoring six-member civilian team competing in the National Trophy Infantry Team Match.
“I had been a competitive shooter in the United States since 2012 and wanted to continue pursuing the sport while living in India. When I arrived in Delhi in the summer of 2023, Shimon Sharif and the coaches at Topgun Shooting Academy gave me the opportunity to train in 10m air rifle. I returned to the United States last month, and within a month of my return, I won the U.S. National Championship. I am truly grateful to TopGun Shooting Academy for the excellent training, guidance, and support I received during my time in India. The experience played an important role in helping me continue competing at the highest level,” Browning said.
Sharif’s association with the U.S. shooting community dates back to the COVID-19 pandemic, when he pioneered online shooting competitions at a time when international travel and competitions had come to a standstill. The virtual events brought together shooters from around the world, including several members of the U.S. Olympic team, helping athletes stay competition-ready in the lead-up to the Tokyo Olympics.
Among those who participated were William Shaner, who went on to win the Olympic gold in Men’s 10m Air Rifle at the Tokyo Games, and Lucas Kozeniesky, who later claimed the silver in 10m Air Rifle Mixed Team.
Browning’s success adds another chapter to TopGun Shooting Academy’s growing international footprint, with the academy continuing to attract shooters from across the world seeking high-quality training in India.
“It’s a matter of immense pride for us to have contributed to the development of shooters from several countries, including the United States,” Sharif said.