For a long time, people thought shooting was only for men. But today, women are proving them wrong! They are becoming champions in pistol shooting sports, winning medals, and inspiring young girls across the world.
This International Women’s Day 2025, the theme is “Accelerate Action” – which means pushing forward and making real change. Indian women in pistol shooting sports are doing just that! They are breaking barriers, winning competitions, and showing that anyone can succeed with hard work and dedication.
Let’s take a look at their journey, challenges, and achievements and see how these incredible women are shaping the future of pistol shooting sports in India.
The Journey of Women in Pistol Shooting Sports
Women in pistol shooting sports had a tough start. Many people thought it was a man’s sport. They believed that women should not use guns or compete in shooting events. But some brave women refused to listen to these old beliefs.
In India, female shooters started getting recognized in the 1990s and early 2000s. They had to fight against society’s mindset, lack of training facilities, and financial problems. But they never gave up.
With support from the National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) and other organizations, more girls started taking up pistol shooting. Today, Indian women shooters such as Anjali Bhagwat, Suma Shirur, Heena Sidhu, and Manu Bhaker are among the best in the world!
Also read: Olympic Dreams: How Indian Shooters Can Achieve Global Success
Achievements of Women in Pistol Shooting Sports
Indian women have made significant contributions to pistol shooting sports, winning prestigious medals and breaking records. Here are some of the most outstanding achievements:
Olympic & International Medals:
- Manu Bhaker – A teenage shooting sensation, Manu Bhaker has won multiple gold medals at the ISSF World Cup and the 2018 Youth Olympics. Even in the Olympics 2024, she won 2 medals.
- Rahi Sarnobat – The first Indian woman to win an Asian Games gold medal in pistol shooting (2018).
- Heena Sidhu – The first Indian woman shooter to achieve World No.1 ranking in the 10m air pistol event. She also won multiple Commonwealth Games and World Cup medals.
National & World Records:
- Esha Singh – One of the youngest pistol shooters to win national gold medals against senior competitors at just 13 years old.
- Chinki Yadav – Qualified for the Tokyo Olympics 2020 and won gold at the 2021 ISSF World Cup.
These achievements highlight how Indian women are excelling in pistol shooting sports and inspiring the next generation.
Challenges Women Face in Pistol Shooting Sports
Even though women have succeeded in pistol shooting sports, they still face many difficulties:
1. Gender Stereotypes & Social Barriers
- Many still believe that shooting is not a sport for women, discouraging young girls from pursuing it professionally.
- Limited support from families and communities in smaller towns and rural areas.
2. Financial & Infrastructure Constraints
- Shooting requires expensive equipment, including pistols, ammunition, and training facilities, which not everyone can afford.
- Many talented shooters struggle with securing sponsorships and financial aid.
3. Mental & Physical Pressure
- The high-stress nature of competitions demands strong mental resilience.
- Balancing studies, personal life, and rigorous training schedules is a challenge for young female shooters.
However, Indian women are overcoming these obstacles with sheer determination and external support.
How Women Are Overcoming Barriers in Shooting Sports in India
Thanks to government programs, private academies, and strong role models, women in pistol shooting sports are fighting these challenges.
1. Government & Private Support
✔ Khelo India – Helps young shooters with training and financial aid.
✔ Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) – Supports top athletes with coaching and money for training.
2. More Training Academies
✔ Shooting academies like Ronak Pandit Shooting Centre provide top-class training.
✔ Also, here at Ronak Pandit Shooting Centre encourage women to step forward and provide a platform where they can shoot confidently.
3. Role Models & Mentors
✔ Experienced shooters like Heena Sidhu and Rahi Sarnobat guide and mentor young girls.
✔ More women coaches and trainers are coming forward.
These efforts are making it easier for young girls to enter pistol shooting sports and achieve their dreams.
Organizations Supporting Women in Shooting Sports
Several organizations are helping Indian women succeed in pistol shooting sports:
National Rifle Association of India (NRAI) – The main body that organizes shooting competitions in India.
Olympic Gold Quest (OGQ) – Provides financial and coaching support.
Sports Authority of India (SAI) – Runs special training programs for female athletes.
Women in Shooting (WIS) – Encourages more women to join shooting sports.
These groups are working hard to create more opportunities for female shooters.
Conclusion
Indian women in pistol shooting sports have come a long way. They have broken barriers, won medals, and inspired millions.
This International Women’s Day 2025, with the theme “Accelerate Action,” we must:
✅ Support more young girls to join pistol shooting.
✅ Provide better training and financial aid to talented shooters.
✅ Celebrate the success of our women shooting champions.
If you dream of becoming a pistol shooting champion, the Ronak Pandit Shooting Centre is the perfect place to start. With expert coaching, world-class facilities, and a supportive environment, this academy is helping young girls turn their passion for shooting into a career. Take the first step towards your shooting journey and be a part of India’s next generation of champions!