In an inspiring triumph of grit over adversity, 25-year-old shooter Akash Bhardwaj from Jaipur, Rajasthan, has earned his place in the Indian contingent for the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. He will be competing in the men's 10m air pistol discipline. Remarkably, Bhardwaj did not even hold a target pistol until the age of 21, achieving this international milestone through just four years of disciplined practice. His selection was confirmed by the National Rifle Association of India following his stellar performance and aggregate ranking points across the national selection trials.
Financial Hardships and Unwavering Family Support Behind the Dream
The path to the Asian Games was paved with substantial financial hurdles for the young marksman. His father works as a commercial driver, supporting the household on a modest monthly income ranging between Rs 10,000 and Rs 15,000. Despite these tight financial constraints, his father recognized Bhardwaj's passion for sports and purchased his first competitive pistol using a credit card. Meanwhile, his elder brother, Shubham Bhardwaj, allocated a portion of his own earnings to pay for his training academy fees. The family currently resides on Niwaru Road in Jaipur.
Walking, Hitchhiking, and Cycling 14 km to Reach Training
Bhardwaj's daily schedule reflected extraordinary commitment to his craft. To reach the Marudhara Sports Shooting Academy in Jaipur, he frequently covered distances on foot or hitched rides from passing commuters. On numerous days, he pedaled a bicycle for 14 kilometers just to attend his practice sessions. Undeterred by limited resources, he dedicated six to seven hours every single day to perfecting his stance, hold, and trigger control on the shooting line.
Self-Taught Precision: 6 to 7 Hours of Daily Self-Analysis Without a Personal Coach
When Bhardwaj joined the academy in 2021 after coming across a promotional advertisement on a Monday, he lacked access to a personal coach. Instead of being discouraged, he took charge of his own athletic development. He designed his own physical conditioning modules and dry-fire drills. During his daily six to seven hours of training, he methodically recorded every technical flaw in a journal and worked through corrective routines independently, building deep self-reliance in his competition mindset.
Transitioning from National Rugby Success to Individual Marksmanship
Before stepping into the shooting range, Bhardwaj competed actively in athletics and rugby. He even secured a national bronze medal in rugby. However, concerns over physical injury risks inherent in contact sports prompted him to transition into an individual discipline. At 21, he retired from rugby to take up 10m air pistol shooting, swiftly rising through the ranks over the next four years.
Proven Track Record from Domestic Trials to ISSF World Cup in Peru
Representing Marudhara Sports Shooting Academy, Bhardwaj steadily accumulated accolades across inter-college meets, World University Championship selections, and the Khelo India Games. His consistent scores at state and national events paved the way to the national selection trials. On the international stage, he delivered a impressive performance at the ISSF World Cup in Lima, Peru, finishing in the overall top 8 and ranking first among all participating Indian shooters. He is now focused on bringing home glory for India at the Asian Games.
