China: 92 YO Former Soldier Stuns All With Shooting Skills Despite Cataract

In a heartwarming turn of events, a 92-year-old grandmother from China has taken the internet by storm with her remarkable shooting skills. Despite being blind in one eye, Li Guifang amazed spectators by scoring impressively high at a shooting range while on an overseas trip. The video of her demonstrating these skills has garnered over half a million likes online on Douyin.

A Veteran's Visit to Kazakhstan Takes a Surprising Turn

Li Guifang, a former soldier in the Chinese People’s Volunteer Army (CPVA), was visiting Kazakhstan with her son when she displayed her shooting talents. Originally from Zhejiang province in eastern China, Li was on a trip to the Central Asian country when she decided to try her hand at shooting live ammunition at a local shooting range. Her exceptional performance not only shocked onlookers but also resonated with internet users, as a video shared on Douyin by her son Wang quickly gained traction.

Despite initial hesitation from the range due to her age, the staff allowed her when they learned that she was a military veteran. Equipped with a small-bore rifle fitted with a sighting device and designed for minimal recoil, Li took aim, compensating for her impaired vision. She has cataracts in her right eye, forcing her to rely solely on her left eye while aiming, a challenge that she overcame with both determination and precision.

Li’s scores at the range were nothing short of spectacular. In one round of shooting, she landed seven shots in the inner ring and three in the outer ring of a 10-ring target, scoring a total of 97 points. In another round, she achieved an equally impressive score of 87 points. 

“It’s more difficult for her than for others,” Wang said, explaining how his mother had to adjust her stance and depend on her left eye. “But she achieved pretty good results by focusing all her attention on the task.”

A Life of Adventure: From the Korean War to Global Travels

A veteran of the Korean War, Li served as a signaller in the CPVA during the conflict between North and South Korea in the 1950s. Although she did not see frontline action, her military training included shooting practice, a skill she evidently retained even after decades!

The CPVA, which supported North Korea in the war, was composed of about two million soldiers, many of them in their 20s at the time. Though Li’s time in the army did not involve combat, her experiences shaped her strong will and adaptability. Her son mentioned that she had not practiced shooting for many years, but her muscle memory and past training resurfaced during the Kazakhstan trip, enabling her to perform like a pro.

Her zest for life goes beyond her military history. Wang shared that his mother remains in excellent physical condition and has traveled to more than 60 countries, seeking new experiences and embracing activities typically associated with younger generations. She has even tried skydiving!

A Surprise Wedding and The Gift of Friendship

The trip to Kazakhstan was not just for sightseeing. Li and her son were there to attend the wedding of a young man who had studied in China. This man had become a close friend of Li after they met through a tour guide. The wedding became an opportunity for Li to reconnect with old memories, both personal and military, through her shooting skills.

Social Media Sensation Overnight

Li Guifang’s story struck a chord with netizens, with many admiring her strength, skill, and unrelenting attitude. Comments flooded the video, celebrating her abilities and expressing amazement at her achievement.

One user humorously commented, “I realize I’m not as strong as a 92-year-old granny. She is such an excellent shooter. Salute to the granny!”

Inspiration for All Ages

Li Guifang's story exemplifies how age and physical limitations do not necessarily diminish a person's capabilities or enthusiasm for life. Her story has inspired many to push beyond boundaries and embrace challenges, no matter their age. Whether as a skilled shooter or a world traveler, Li continues to defy expectations, showing that life can be full of adventure and new experiences at any age.