From Junior Ranks to Asian Games Podium: Ashima’s Journey to Silver

Ashima Ahlawat’s ascent from a novice shooter in 2021 to an Asian Games silver medalist in 2026 reads like a textbook success story. Starting her career at the age of 18, she earned a spot on the junior national squad within two years, representing India at multiple youth championships.

Her breakout moment came at the Asian Championship, where she secured an individual bronze and contributed to a team gold. Those achievements paved the way for her senior team debut in 2025.

At the Aichi-Nagoya Games, Ashima partnered with Neeru Dhanda and Manisha Kaur in the women’s trap team event. Their combined score of 328 positioned India firmly behind China’s 346‑point gold performance but ahead of Kuwait’s bronze‑winning 325.

Reflecting on the medal, Ashima said, “I began shooting in 2021 with the hope of one day standing on this podium. The silver feels like the culmination of years of hard work, training, and perseverance.” She also emphasized the role of domestic competitions that often mimic the rainy conditions seen in Nagoya, giving her and her teammates a distinct edge.

The medal not only adds a shining highlight to Ashima’s personal résumé but also signals the growing depth of India’s trap shooting talent pipeline.

With the 2026 Asian Games now behind them, the Indian women’s trap team sets its sights on future World Cup events and the 2028 Olympic qualifiers, aiming to turn the silver into gold.