Fateh Singh, winner of a gold and silver medal in the big bore events at the first-ever Commonwealth Shooting Championships in New Delhi in 1995 was among three members of an Indian security force killed following a gun battle with attackers  at Pathankot base lasting 14 hours yesterday. 

The heavily-armed gunmen entered the base dressed in Indian army uniforms.

Five attackers were also killed. 

The incident came days after the Indian and Pakistani leaders, Narendra Modi and Nawaz Sharif, met in Lahore to launch a surprise peace initiative.

No group has said it carried out the attack, which is being seen as an attempt to undermine those efforts.

”May Almighty grant peace to the great soldier," said Randhir Singh, President of the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI). 

"The shooting fraternity pray for the departed soul and strength to the family of great soldier to bear this irreparable loss."

Fateh Singh had retired from Dogra regiment in 2009 and joined the Defence Security Corps.

He had been based in Pathankot for two years. 

“He was a thorough gentlemen and great athlete," said Singh. 

"He worked as an active member of Indian shooting team.

"It is a very sad day for us.

"He sacrificed his life for the country.

"I condole his death."

Pakistan have condemned the attack and called it a "terrorist incident", adding that it remained committed to peace efforts with India.